Growing Coconuts in Lamu
Soil suitability analysis based on Lamu's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Lamu is moderately suited to Coconuts. Lamu's soil (pH 6.31, slightly acidic) gives Coconuts a suitability score of 73/100. Match fertilizer to Lamu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Lamu County is a solid choice for Coconuts, with a soil-match score of 73/100. Local soils average pH 6.31 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–8 band Coconuts prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 0.74 g/kg, P 9.6 mg/kg, K 117 mg/kg against this crop's low/low/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Coconuts, which favours sandy. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Coconuts is the #45 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Lamu County. At current prices (about KES 22/kg) and a typical 2,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Coconuts crop here can gross roughly KES 55,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Lamu soil | Coconuts needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.31 | 5.5–8 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.74 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 9.6 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 117 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 600 mm | 650–2,000 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 10 m | 0–400 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Lamu
Long Rains· April–JuneMain season here
Short Rains· November–January
Dry Season· February–April
Top dressing guide
Lamu's nitrogen (0.74 g/kg) already meets Coconuts's 0.5 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Lamu
Varieties suited to Lamu's 10 m altitude and 600 mm annual rainfall — 2 of 2 coconuts varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag