Growing Turmeric in Kwale
Soil suitability analysis based on Kwale's nutrient profile
Kwale County is a solid choice for Turmeric, with a soil-match score of 62/100. Local soils average pH 6.76 — neutral and inside the 5.5–7.5 band Turmeric 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/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Turmeric, which favours loam. Turmeric's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 480,000/acre at KES 80/kg), but at Kwale's 62/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,650 kg/acre (~KES 372,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kwale soil | Turmeric needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.76 | 5.5–7.5 | OK |
| 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 | 1,000–2,000 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 200 m | 0–1,500 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Top dressing guide
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag