Growing Mango in Kiambu

Soil suitability analysis based on Kiambu's nutrient profile

Kiambu County is a challenging environment for Mango (soil-match score 32/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.28 the soil is moderately acidic, below Mango's preferred 5.5–8.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.01 g/kg), phosphorus (13.7 mg/kg) and potassium (169 mg/kg) all meet Mango's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Mango prefers sandy soils, while Kiambu is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 1700 m, the county sits above Mango's preferred altitude ceiling of 1200 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. Mango's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 80,000/acre at KES 10/kg), but at Kiambu's 32/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,200 kg/acre (~KES 32,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.