Growing Mango in Isiolo

Soil suitability analysis based on Isiolo's nutrient profile

Isiolo County is a challenging environment for Mango (soil-match score 38/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 7.83 — alkaline and inside the 5.5–8.5 band Mango 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 Mango, which favours sandy. Isiolo receives approximately 350 mm/year — well below Mango's minimum of 500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 10/kg) and a typical 2,800 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Mango crop here can gross roughly KES 28,000 per acre.

38Suitability score

Soil match analysis

NutrientIsiolo soilMango needsStatus
pH7.835.58.5OK
Nitrogen0.46 g/kgmin 0.5 g/kgLow
Phosphorus37.4 mg/kgmin 6 mg/kgOK
Potassium395 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK

Recommended seed varieties

Apple MangoCoastal/Dryland
KALRO/HCDA · 1000-1200 days · 40-60 tons/acre
Most popular domestic variety; sweet and juicy.
Tommy AtkinsCoastal/Dryland
KALRO/HCDA · 1000-1200 days · 50-80 tons/acre
Export quality; good shelf life; disease tolerant.

Economics

Market priceKES 10/kg
Expected yield2,800 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 28,000/acre

Preferred textureSandy

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 2,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,500(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 2,500(5,600)
Urea
KES 2,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag