Growing Tea in Kwale

Soil suitability analysis based on Kwale's nutrient profile

Kwale County is a challenging environment for Tea (soil-match score 1/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 6.76 the soil sits above Tea's preferred 4.5–6 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/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Tea prefers clay soils, while Kwale is largely sandy loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 200 m, the county sits below Tea's preferred altitude range (1500–3000 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. Tea's full potential is about 2,200 kg/acre (~KES 55,000/acre at KES 25/kg), but at Kwale's 1/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 28 kg/acre (~KES 700/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.