Growing Tea in Isiolo

Soil suitability analysis based on Isiolo's nutrient profile

Isiolo County is a challenging environment for Tea (soil-match score 2/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.83 the soil sits above Tea's preferred 4.5–6 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. 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 high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Tea prefers clay soils, while Isiolo is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Isiolo receives approximately 350 mm/year — well below Tea's minimum of 1100 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Tea's full potential is about 2,200 kg/acre (~KES 55,000/acre at KES 25/kg), but at Isiolo's 2/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 55 kg/acre (~KES 1,375/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.