Growing Okra in Kisii
Soil suitability analysis based on Kisii's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Kisii is poorly suited to Okra. Kisii's soil (pH 5.21, strongly acidic) gives Okra a suitability score of 34/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Kisii County is a challenging environment for Okra (soil-match score 34/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.21 the soil is moderately acidic, below Okra'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 Okra's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Okra, which favours loam. At 1700 m, the county sits above Okra's preferred altitude ceiling of 1300 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Okra is the #95 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kisii County. Okra's full potential is about 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 300,000/acre at KES 60/kg), but at Kisii's 34/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,125 kg/acre (~KES 127,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Kisii's soil: Tea, Macadamia, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kisii soil | Okra needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.21 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.09 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 13.1 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 151 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,500 mm | 500–1,200 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 0–1,300 m | High |
Planting calendar for Kisii
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Top dressing guide
Kisii's nitrogen (1.09 g/kg) already meets Okra's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag