Growing Broccoli in Kakamega
Soil suitability analysis based on Kakamega's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Kakamega is only marginally suited to Broccoli. Kakamega's soil (pH 5.63, slightly acidic) gives Broccoli a suitability score of 40/100. Match fertilizer to Kakamega's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kakamega County is a challenging environment for Broccoli (soil-match score 40/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.63 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Broccoli's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 1.01 g/kg, P 14 mg/kg, K 147 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Broccoli, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Broccoli is the #83 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kakamega County. Broccoli's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 540,000/acre at KES 90/kg), but at Kakamega's 40/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,000 kg/acre (~KES 270,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Kakamega's soil: Soybeans, Rice (Lowland/Paddy), and Sweet Potato — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kakamega soil | Broccoli needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.63 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.01 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 14 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 147 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,900 mm | 800–1,500 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 1,800–2,800 m | Low |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag