Growing Courgette (Zucchini) in Kirinyaga

Soil suitability analysis based on Kirinyaga's nutrient profile

Kirinyaga County is a solid choice for Courgette (Zucchini), with a soil-match score of 71/100. At an average pH of 5.31 the soil is moderately acidic, below Courgette (Zucchini)'s preferred 5.8–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 1.36 g/kg, P 12.5 mg/kg, K 177 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Courgette (Zucchini) prefers loam soils, while Kirinyaga is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Courgette (Zucchini)'s full potential is about 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre at KES 50/kg), but at Kirinyaga's 71/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 10,650 kg/acre (~KES 532,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

71Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorKirinyaga soilCourgette (Zucchini) needsStatus
pH5.315.87Adjust
Nitrogen1.36 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgOK
Phosphorus12.5 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium177 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgLow
Rainfall1,300 mm500–1,200 mmHigh
Altitude1,500 m0–2,100 mOK

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Direct Sowing & Basal
Month 2
Top Dressing & Pest Control
Month 3
Fruiting & Harvest

Short Rains

Month 1
Direct Sowing & Basal
Month 2
Top Dressing
Month 3
Fruiting & Harvest

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 3 and at flowering
Instruction
Add potassium at fruiting for continuous fruit set and quality.
Bags per Acre
0.4

Economics

Market priceKES 50/kg
Expected yield in Kirinyaga10,650 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 532,500/acre
Adjusted for Kirinyaga's 71/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Courgette (Zucchini) can reach 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag