Growing Jute Mallow (Mrenda) in Kericho
Soil suitability analysis based on Kericho's nutrient profile
Yes — Kericho is well suited to Jute Mallow (Mrenda). Kericho's soil (pH 5.94, slightly acidic) gives Jute Mallow (Mrenda) a suitability score of 77/100. Match fertilizer to Kericho's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kericho County is well suited to Jute Mallow (Mrenda), scoring 77/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 5.94 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.8–7 band Jute Mallow (Mrenda) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.34 g/kg), phosphorus (23.7 mg/kg) and potassium (225 mg/kg) all meet Jute Mallow (Mrenda)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Jute Mallow (Mrenda) prefers loam soils, while Kericho is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Jute Mallow (Mrenda) is the #26 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kericho County. At current prices (about KES 50/kg) and a typical 5,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Jute Mallow (Mrenda) crop here can gross roughly KES 250,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kericho soil | Jute Mallow (Mrenda) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.94 | 5.8–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.34 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 23.7 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 225 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,800 mm | 600–1,400 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 Jute Mallow (Mrenda)'s 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag