Growing Stevia in Kirinyaga
Soil suitability analysis based on Kirinyaga's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kirinyaga is moderately suited to Stevia. Kirinyaga's soil (pH 5.31, strongly acidic) gives Stevia a suitability score of 67/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Kirinyaga County is a solid choice for Stevia, with a soil-match score of 67/100. At an average pH of 5.31 the soil is moderately acidic, below Stevia's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.36 g/kg), phosphorus (12.5 mg/kg) and potassium (177 mg/kg) all meet Stevia's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Stevia prefers loam soils, while Kirinyaga is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Stevia is the #53 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kirinyaga County. Stevia's full potential is about 3,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre at KES 200/kg), but at Kirinyaga's 67/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,513 kg/acre (~KES 502,600/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kirinyaga soil | Stevia needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.31 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.36 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 12.5 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 177 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,300 mm | 700–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 500–2,000 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Kirinyaga
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Top dressing guide
Kirinyaga's nitrogen (1.36 g/kg) already meets Stevia's 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag