Growing Coffee (Robusta) in Machakos

Soil suitability analysis based on Machakos's nutrient profile

Machakos County is a challenging environment for Coffee (Robusta) (soil-match score 14/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.03 the soil sits above Coffee (Robusta)'s preferred 5–6.5 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/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Coffee (Robusta), which favours loam. Machakos receives approximately 700 mm/year — well below Coffee (Robusta)'s minimum of 1500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 80/kg) and a typical 950 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Coffee (Robusta) crop here can gross roughly KES 76,000 per acre.