Growing Watermelon in Kakamega

Soil suitability analysis based on Kakamega's nutrient profile

Kakamega County is a challenging environment for Watermelon (soil-match score 37/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.63 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Watermelon's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 1.01 g/kg, P 14 mg/kg, K 147 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Watermelon prefers sandy soils, while Kakamega is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. 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.