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.
Soil match analysis
| Nutrient | Isiolo soil | Mango needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.83 | 5.5–8.5 | 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 |
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag