Growing Lemon in Kiambu

Soil suitability analysis based on Kiambu's nutrient profile

Kiambu County is a solid choice for Lemon, with a soil-match score of 60/100. At an average pH of 5.28 the soil is moderately acidic, below Lemon's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 1.01 g/kg, P 13.7 mg/kg, K 169 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Lemon prefers loam soils, while Kiambu is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Lemon's full potential is about 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 500,000/acre at KES 50/kg), but at Kiambu's 60/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 7,500 kg/acre (~KES 375,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

60Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorKiambu soilLemon needsStatus
pH5.2867.5Adjust
Nitrogen1.01 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgLow
Phosphorus13.7 mg/kgmin 20 mg/kgLow
Potassium169 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgLow
Rainfall1,100 mm600–1,500 mmOK
Altitude1,700 m0–2,100 mOK

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Transplanting & Basal
Month 2
Pruning & Top Dressing
Month 3
Flowering & Fruit Set

Short Rains

Month 1
Transplanting & Basal
Month 2
Pruning & Top Dressing
Month 3
Fruit Development

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Three times per year
Instruction
Split citrus feeding across the year. Foliar zinc and manganese keep leaves healthy.
Bags per Acre
0.6

Economics

Market priceKES 50/kg
Expected yield in Kiambu7,500 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 375,000/acre
Adjusted for Kiambu's 60/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Lemon can reach 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 500,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag