Growing Tea in Kilifi

Soil suitability analysis based on Kilifi's nutrient profile

Kilifi County is a challenging environment for Tea (soil-match score 0/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 6.24 the soil sits above Tea's preferred 4.5–6 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. 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/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Tea prefers clay soils, while Kilifi is largely sandy loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Kilifi receives approximately 700 mm/year — well below Tea's minimum of 1100 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Tea's full potential is about 2,200 kg/acre (~KES 55,000/acre at KES 25/kg), but at Kilifi's 0/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 0 kg/acre (~KES 0/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.