Growing Carrot in Kitui
Soil suitability analysis based on Kitui's nutrient profile
Carrot can be grown in Kitui County, but the soil scores 46/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 7.03 the soil sits above Carrot's preferred 5.5–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.74 g/kg), phosphorus (30.5 mg/kg) and potassium (339 mg/kg) all meet Carrot's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Carrot, which favours sandy loam. At current prices (about KES 38/kg) and a typical 5,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Carrot crop here can gross roughly KES 209,000 per acre.
Suitability score
Soil match analysis
| Nutrient | Kitui soil | Carrot needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.03 | 5.5–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.74 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 30.5 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 339 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | OK |
Recommended seed varieties
NantesMedium/Highland
Simlaw Seeds · 70-80 days · 80-100 bags/acre
Cylindrical roots; sweet flavor; excellent fresh market variety.
ChantenayMedium
Simlaw Seeds · 75-90 days · 70-90 bags/acre
Broad shoulders; good for heavy soils; reliable yield.
Economics
Market priceKES 38/kg
Expected yield5,500 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 209,000/acre
Preferred textureSandy Loam
Fertilizer prices
DAP
KES 2,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,500(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 2,500(5,600)
Urea
KES 2,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag