Growing Stevia in Kajiado

Soil suitability analysis based on Kajiado's nutrient profile

Stevia can be grown in Kajiado County, but the soil scores 46/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 6.55 — neutral and inside the 6–7.5 band Stevia prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.97 g/kg, P 20.6 mg/kg, K 257 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Stevia, which favours loam. Kajiado receives approximately 500 mm/year — well below Stevia's minimum of 700 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Stevia's full potential is about 3,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre at KES 200/kg), but at Kajiado's 46/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,725 kg/acre (~KES 345,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.