Growing Jute Mallow (Mrenda) in Kisii

Soil suitability analysis based on Kisii's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Yes, with the right inputs — Kisii is moderately suited to Jute Mallow (Mrenda). Kisii's soil (pH 5.21, strongly acidic) gives Jute Mallow (Mrenda) a suitability score of 68/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.

Kisii County is a solid choice for Jute Mallow (Mrenda), with a soil-match score of 68/100. At an average pH of 5.21 the soil is moderately acidic, below Jute Mallow (Mrenda)'s preferred 5.8–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 1.09 g/kg, P 13.1 mg/kg, K 151 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Jute Mallow (Mrenda), which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Jute Mallow (Mrenda) is the #33 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kisii County. Jute Mallow (Mrenda)'s full potential is about 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 250,000/acre at KES 50/kg), but at Kisii's 68/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,250 kg/acre (~KES 212,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

68Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorKisii soilJute Mallow (Mrenda) needsStatus
pH5.215.87Adjust
Nitrogen1.09 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgLow
Phosphorus13.1 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium151 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK
Rainfall1,500 mm600–1,400 mmHigh
Altitude1,700 m0–2,000 mOK

Planting calendar for Kisii

Long Rains· MarchMayMain season here

March
Direct Sowing & Basal
April
Thinning & Top Dressing
May
Continuous Harvest

Short Rains· AugustOctober

August
Direct Sowing & Basal
September
Thinning & Top Dressing
October
Continuous Harvest

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 2 and after each harvest
Instruction
Top-dress after each cutting for continuous leaf harvest.
Bags per acre in Kisii
0.50.3

Kisii's nitrogen (1.09 g/kg) is 91% of the 1.2 g/kg Jute Mallow (Mrenda) needs, so the standard 0.3 bags/acre is raised to 0.5. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.

Economics

Market priceKES 50/kg
Expected yield in Kisii4,250 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 212,500/acre
Adjusted for Kisii's 68/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Jute Mallow (Mrenda) can reach 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 250,000/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(5,700)
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