Growing Broccoli in Kwale
Soil suitability analysis based on Kwale's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Kwale is poorly suited to Broccoli. Kwale's soil (pH 6.76, near-neutral) gives Broccoli a suitability score of 1/100. Match fertilizer to Kwale's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kwale County is a challenging environment for Broccoli (soil-match score 1/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.76 — neutral and inside the 6–7.5 band Broccoli prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 0.93 g/kg, P 9.8 mg/kg, K 131 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Broccoli, which favours loam. At 200 m, the county sits below Broccoli's preferred altitude range (1800–2800 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Broccoli is the #100 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kwale County. Broccoli's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 540,000/acre at KES 90/kg), but at Kwale's 1/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 75 kg/acre (~KES 6,750/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Kwale's soil: Dhania, Pigeon Peas, and Mango — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kwale soil | Broccoli needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.76 | 6–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.93 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 9.8 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 131 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 800–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 200 m | 1,800–2,800 m | Low |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag