Growing Aloe Vera in Isiolo
Soil suitability analysis based on Isiolo's nutrient profile
Isiolo County is well suited to Aloe Vera, scoring 78/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 7.83 — alkaline and inside the 6–8 band Aloe Vera prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.46 g/kg, P 37.4 mg/kg, K 395 mg/kg against this crop's low/low/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Aloe Vera, which favours sandy loam. At current prices (about KES 40/kg) and a typical 12,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Aloe Vera crop here can gross roughly KES 480,000 per acre.
Suitability score
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Isiolo soil | Aloe Vera needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.83 | 6–8 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.46 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 37.4 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 395 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 350 mm | 250–700 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 900 m | 0–2,000 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Month 1
Sucker Planting & Basal
Month 2
Weeding
Month 3
Leaf Harvest
Short Rains
Month 1
Sucker Planting & Basal
Month 2
Weeding
Month 3
Leaf Harvest
Top dressing guide
Product
CAN
Timing
Twice per year
Instruction
Succulent — very light feeding. Good drainage matters more than fertilizer.
Bags per Acre
0.2
Economics
Market priceKES 40/kg
Expected yield in Isiolo11,700 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 468,000/acre
Adjusted for Isiolo's 78/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Aloe Vera can reach 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 480,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.
Preferred textureSandy Loam
Fertilizer prices
DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag