Growing Mango in Laikipia

Soil suitability analysis based on Laikipia's nutrient profile

Laikipia County is a challenging environment for Mango (soil-match score 31/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Mango's preferred 5.5–8.5 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 Mango's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Mango, which favours sandy. At 1700 m, the county sits above Mango's preferred altitude ceiling of 1200 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. Mango's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 80,000/acre at KES 10/kg), but at Laikipia's 31/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,100 kg/acre (~KES 31,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.