Growing Strawberry in Laikipia

Soil suitability analysis based on Laikipia's nutrient profile

Strawberry can be grown in Laikipia County, but the soil scores 52/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Strawberry's preferred 5.5–6.8 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 Strawberry, which favours loam. Strawberry's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 1,200,000/acre at KES 200/kg), but at Laikipia's 52/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,900 kg/acre (~KES 780,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.