Growing Turmeric in Kwale
Soil suitability analysis based on Kwale's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kwale is moderately suited to Turmeric. Kwale's soil (pH 6.76, near-neutral) gives Turmeric a suitability score of 62/100. Match fertilizer to Kwale's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Turmeric is the #57 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kwale County. 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 for Kwale
Long Rains· April–JuneMain season here
Short Rains· November–January
Top dressing guide
Kwale's nitrogen (0.93 g/kg) is 78% of the 1.2 g/kg Turmeric needs, so the standard 0.5 bags/acre is raised to 0.75. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag