Growing Tomato in Kilifi
Soil suitability analysis based on Kilifi's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kilifi is moderately suited to Tomato. Kilifi's soil (pH 6.24, slightly acidic) gives Tomato a suitability score of 73/100. Match fertilizer to Kilifi's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kilifi County is a solid choice for Tomato, with a soil-match score of 73/100. Local soils average pH 6.24 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 6–7 band Tomato 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 Tomato, which favours loam. At current prices (about KES 50/kg) and a typical 15,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Tomato crop here can gross roughly KES 750,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kilifi soil | Tomato needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.24 | 6–7 | 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 | 600–1,400 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 150 m | 0–1,800 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag