Growing Lemon in Kericho
Soil suitability analysis based on Kericho's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kericho is moderately suited to Lemon. Kericho's soil (pH 5.94, slightly acidic) gives Lemon a suitability score of 73/100. Match fertilizer to Kericho's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kericho County is a solid choice for Lemon, with a soil-match score of 73/100. At an average pH of 5.94 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Lemon'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 Lemon's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Lemon prefers loam soils, while Kericho is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Lemon is the #33 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kericho County. At current prices (about KES 50/kg) and a typical 10,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Lemon crop here can gross roughly KES 500,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kericho soil | Lemon needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.94 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.34 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 23.7 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 225 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,800 mm | 600–1,500 mm | High |
| Altitude | 2,000 m | 0–2,100 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 Lemon's 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag