Growing Broccoli in Laikipia

Soil suitability analysis based on Laikipia's nutrient profile

Laikipia County is a challenging environment for Broccoli (soil-match score 30/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Broccoli's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is phosphorus — measured at N 1.42 g/kg, P 16.6 mg/kg, K 215 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Broccoli, which favours loam. At current prices (about KES 90/kg) and a typical 5,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Broccoli crop here can gross roughly KES 450,000 per acre.