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. 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.
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
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag