Growing Watermelon in Isiolo

Soil suitability analysis based on Isiolo's nutrient profile

Isiolo County is a solid choice for Watermelon, with a soil-match score of 67/100. At an average pH of 7.83 the soil sits above Watermelon's preferred 6–7.5 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 medium/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Watermelon, which favours sandy. At current prices (about KES 10/kg) and a typical 5,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Watermelon crop here can gross roughly KES 55,000 per acre.

67Suitability score

Soil match analysis

NutrientIsiolo soilWatermelon needsStatus
pH7.8367.5Adjust
Nitrogen0.46 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgLow
Phosphorus37.4 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium395 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 3-4 after transplanting
Instruction
Apply when runners start expanding. Supplement with foliar potassium.
Bags per Acre
0.5

Recommended seed varieties

Sugar BabyDryland/Medium
Simlaw Seeds · 75-90 days · 100-150 tons/acre
Small round fruits; sweet red flesh; popular local market.
Charleston GreyMedium
Simlaw Seeds · 80-95 days · 120-180 tons/acre
Large oblong fruits; excellent taste; high yield.

Economics

Market priceKES 10/kg
Expected yield5,500 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 55,000/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