Growing Capsicum in Machakos
Soil suitability analysis based on Machakos's nutrient profile
Yes — Machakos is well suited to Capsicum. Machakos's soil (pH 7.03, near-neutral) gives Capsicum a suitability score of 76/100. Match fertilizer to Machakos's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Machakos County is well suited to Capsicum, scoring 76/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. At an average pH of 7.03 the soil sits above Capsicum's preferred 5.5–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.82 g/kg, P 31.4 mg/kg, K 338 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 Capsicum, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Capsicum is the #62 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Machakos County. At current prices (about KES 90/kg) and a typical 6,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Capsicum crop here can gross roughly KES 540,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Machakos soil | Capsicum needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.03 | 5.5–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.82 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 31.4 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 338 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 700 mm | 600–1,200 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,100 m | 0–2,000 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Machakos's nitrogen (0.82 g/kg) is 68% of the 1.2 g/kg Capsicum needs, so the standard 0.5 bags/acre is raised to 0.75. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Machakos's 1,100 m altitude and 700 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag