Growing Stevia in Laikipia

Soil suitability analysis based on Laikipia's nutrient profile

Stevia can be grown in Laikipia County, but the soil scores 47/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Stevia'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 Stevia's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Stevia, which favours loam. Stevia's full potential is about 3,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre at KES 200/kg), but at Laikipia's 47/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,763 kg/acre (~KES 352,600/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.