Growing Kale (Sukuma Wiki) in Kwale
Soil suitability analysis based on Kwale's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Kwale is poorly suited to Kale (Sukuma Wiki). Kwale's soil (pH 6.76, near-neutral) gives Kale (Sukuma Wiki) a suitability score of 12/100. Match fertilizer to Kwale's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kwale County is a challenging environment for Kale (Sukuma Wiki) (soil-match score 12/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.76 — neutral and inside the 5–7 band Kale (Sukuma Wiki) 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/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Kale (Sukuma Wiki) prefers clay loam soils, while Kwale is largely sandy loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 200 m, the county sits below Kale (Sukuma Wiki)'s preferred altitude range (500–2500 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Kale (Sukuma Wiki) is the #68 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kwale County. Kale (Sukuma Wiki)'s full potential is about 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 240,000/acre at KES 20/kg), but at Kwale's 12/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,800 kg/acre (~KES 36,000/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 | Kale (Sukuma Wiki) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.76 | 5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.93 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 9.8 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 131 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 700–1,800 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 200 m | 500–2,500 m | Low |
Planting calendar for Kwale
Long Rains· April–JuneMain season here
Short Rains· November–January
Dry Season· February–April
Top dressing guide
Kwale's nitrogen (0.93 g/kg) is 78% of the 1.2 g/kg Kale (Sukuma Wiki) needs, so the standard 0.5 bags/acre is raised to 0.75. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Kwale's 200 m altitude and 900 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag