Growing Sugarcane in Kwale

Soil suitability analysis based on Kwale's nutrient profile

Sugarcane can be grown in Kwale County, but the soil scores 53/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 6.76 — neutral and inside the 5.5–7 band Sugarcane 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 Sugarcane, which favours loam. At current prices (about KES 5/kg) and a typical 27,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Sugarcane crop here can gross roughly KES 135,000 per acre.

53Suitability score

Soil match analysis

NutrientKwale soilSugarcane needsStatus
pH6.765.57OK
Nitrogen0.93 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgLow
Phosphorus9.8 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgLow
Potassium131 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgLow

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 6-8 and Month 4
Instruction
Heavy nitrogen feeder. Apply in two split portions during early tillering.
Bags per Acre
1.5

Recommended seed varieties

CO 421Dryland/Medium
KESREF · 365-540 days · 400-600 tons/acre
Medium staple; high sucrose content; adapted to western Kenya.
N14Medium
KESREF · 365-540 days · 450-650 tons/acre
High yielding; good ratoon ability; widely grown in Nyanza and Western.

Economics

Market priceKES 5/kg
Expected yield27,000 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 135,000/acre

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 2,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,500(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 2,500(5,600)
Urea
KES 2,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag