Growing Capsicum in Kilifi
Soil suitability analysis based on Kilifi's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kilifi is moderately suited to Capsicum. Kilifi's soil (pH 6.24, slightly acidic) gives Capsicum a suitability score of 74/100. Match fertilizer to Kilifi's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kilifi County is a solid choice for Capsicum, with a soil-match score of 74/100. Local soils average pH 6.24 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–7 band Capsicum prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 0.8 g/kg, P 11 mg/kg, K 109 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Capsicum, which favours loam. At current prices (about KES 90/kg) and a typical 6,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Capsicum crop here can gross roughly KES 540,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kilifi soil | Capsicum needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.24 | 5.5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.8 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 11 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 109 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 700 mm | 600–1,200 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 150 m | 0–2,000 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag