Growing Grapes in Kakamega

Soil suitability analysis based on Kakamega's nutrient profile

Kakamega County is a challenging environment for Grapes (soil-match score 38/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.63 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Grapes's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 1.01 g/kg, P 14 mg/kg, K 147 mg/kg against this crop's medium/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Grapes, which favours loam. Grapes's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 1,200,000/acre at KES 150/kg), but at Kakamega's 38/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,800 kg/acre (~KES 570,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.