Growing Potato in Kwale
Soil suitability analysis based on Kwale's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Kwale is poorly suited to Potato. Kwale's soil (pH 6.76, near-neutral) gives Potato 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 Potato (soil-match score 1/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 6.76 the soil sits above Potato's preferred 4.8–6.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. 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 Potato, which favours sandy loam. At 200 m, the county sits below Potato's preferred altitude range (1500–3000 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Potato is the #93 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kwale County. Potato's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 304,000/acre at KES 38/kg), but at Kwale's 1/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 100 kg/acre (~KES 3,800/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 | Potato needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.76 | 4.8–6.5 | Adjust |
| 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 | 700–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 200 m | 1,500–3,000 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 Potato needs, so the standard 1 bag/acre is raised to 1.25. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Seed varieties for Kwale
Varieties suited to Kwale's 200 m altitude and 900 mm annual rainfall — 1 of 14 potato varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag