Growing Leek in Laikipia

Soil suitability analysis based on Laikipia's nutrient profile

Laikipia County is a solid choice for Leek, with a soil-match score of 63/100. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Leek's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.42 g/kg), phosphorus (16.6 mg/kg) and potassium (215 mg/kg) all meet Leek's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Leek, which favours loam. Leek's full potential is about 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre at KES 60/kg), but at Laikipia's 63/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 7,875 kg/acre (~KES 472,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.