Growing Aloe Vera in Kericho
Soil suitability analysis based on Kericho's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Kericho is poorly suited to Aloe Vera. Kericho's soil (pH 5.94, slightly acidic) gives Aloe Vera a suitability score of 39/100. Match fertilizer to Kericho's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kericho County is a challenging environment for Aloe Vera (soil-match score 39/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.94 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Aloe Vera's preferred 6–8 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.34 g/kg), phosphorus (23.7 mg/kg) and potassium (225 mg/kg) all meet Aloe Vera's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Aloe Vera prefers sandy loam soils, while Kericho is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Aloe Vera is the #86 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kericho County. Aloe Vera's full potential is about 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 480,000/acre at KES 40/kg), but at Kericho's 39/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 5,850 kg/acre (~KES 234,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Kericho's soil: Kale (Sukuma Wiki), Sweet Potato, and Wambugu Apples — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kericho soil | Aloe Vera needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.94 | 6–8 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.34 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 23.7 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 225 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,800 mm | 250–700 mm | High |
| Altitude | 2,000 m | 0–2,000 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Kericho
Long Rains· April–JuneMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Top dressing guide
Kericho's nitrogen (1.34 g/kg) already meets Aloe Vera's 0.5 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag