Growing Leek in Kwale
Soil suitability analysis based on Kwale's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Kwale is poorly suited to Leek. Kwale's soil (pH 6.76, near-neutral) gives Leek a suitability score of 5/100. Match fertilizer to Kwale's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kwale County is a challenging environment for Leek (soil-match score 5/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.76 — neutral and inside the 6–7.5 band Leek 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/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Leek, which favours loam. At 200 m, the county sits below Leek's preferred altitude range (800–2500 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Leek is the #77 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kwale County. Leek's full potential is about 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre at KES 60/kg), but at Kwale's 5/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 625 kg/acre (~KES 37,500/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 | Leek 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 12 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 131 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 600–1,200 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 200 m | 800–2,500 m | Low |
Planting calendar for Kwale
Long Rains· April–JuneMain season here
Short Rains· November–January
Top dressing guide
Kwale's nitrogen (0.93 g/kg) is 78% of the 1.2 g/kg Leek needs, so the standard 0.4 bags/acre is raised to 0.5. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag