Growing Grapes in Kericho

Soil suitability analysis based on Kericho's nutrient profile

Kericho County is a challenging environment for Grapes (soil-match score 40/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.94 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. Nitrogen (1.34 g/kg), phosphorus (23.7 mg/kg) and potassium (225 mg/kg) all meet Grapes's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Grapes prefers loam soils, while Kericho is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Grapes's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 1,200,000/acre at KES 150/kg), but at Kericho's 40/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.