Growing Kale (Sukuma Wiki) in Machakos
Soil suitability analysis based on Machakos's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Machakos is moderately suited to Kale (Sukuma Wiki). Machakos's soil (pH 7.03, near-neutral) gives Kale (Sukuma Wiki) a suitability score of 71/100. Match fertilizer to Machakos's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Machakos County is a solid choice for Kale (Sukuma Wiki), with a soil-match score of 71/100. At an average pH of 7.03 the soil sits above Kale (Sukuma Wiki)'s preferred 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/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Kale (Sukuma Wiki) prefers clay loam soils, while Machakos is largely sandy loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Kale (Sukuma Wiki)'s full potential is about 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 240,000/acre at KES 20/kg), but at Machakos's 71/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 10,650 kg/acre (~KES 213,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Machakos soil | Kale (Sukuma Wiki) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.03 | 5–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.82 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 31.4 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 338 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 700 mm | 700–1,800 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,100 m | 500–2,500 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag