Growing Chilies in Kisii

Soil suitability analysis based on Kisii's nutrient profile

Kisii County is a challenging environment for Chilies (soil-match score 29/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.21 the soil is moderately acidic, below Chilies's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.09 g/kg), phosphorus (13.1 mg/kg) and potassium (151 mg/kg) all meet Chilies's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Chilies prefers sandy loam soils, while Kisii is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 1700 m, the county sits above Chilies's preferred altitude ceiling of 1200 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. Chilies's full potential is about 2,500 kg/acre (~KES 412,500/acre at KES 165/kg), but at Kisii's 29/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 906 kg/acre (~KES 149,490/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.