Growing Sugarcane in Kiambu

Soil suitability analysis based on Kiambu's nutrient profile

Sugarcane can be grown in Kiambu County, but the soil scores 58/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.28 the soil is moderately acidic, below Sugarcane's preferred 5.5–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen and potassium — measured at N 1.01 g/kg, P 13.7 mg/kg, K 169 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Sugarcane prefers loam soils, while Kiambu is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Sugarcane's full potential is about 27,000 kg/acre (~KES 135,000/acre at KES 5/kg), but at Kiambu's 58/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 19,575 kg/acre (~KES 97,875/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.