Growing Pineapple in Kericho
Soil suitability analysis based on Kericho's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kericho is moderately suited to Pineapple. Kericho's soil (pH 5.94, slightly acidic) gives Pineapple a suitability score of 66/100. Match fertilizer to Kericho's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kericho County is a solid choice for Pineapple, with a soil-match score of 66/100. Local soils average pH 5.94 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 4.5–6.5 band Pineapple prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.34 g/kg), phosphorus (23.7 mg/kg) and potassium (225 mg/kg) all meet Pineapple's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Pineapple prefers sandy loam soils, while Kericho is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Pineapple is the #48 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kericho County. Pineapple's full potential is about 25,000 kg/acre (~KES 875,000/acre at KES 35/kg), but at Kericho's 66/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 20,625 kg/acre (~KES 721,875/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kericho soil | Pineapple needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.94 | 4.5–6.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.34 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 23.7 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 225 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,800 mm | 1,000–1,500 mm | High |
| Altitude | 2,000 m | 0–1,800 m | High |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag