Growing Tomato in Machakos
Soil suitability analysis based on Machakos's nutrient profile
Yes — Machakos is well suited to Tomato. Machakos's soil (pH 7.03, near-neutral) gives Tomato a suitability score of 81/100. Match fertilizer to Machakos's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Machakos County is well suited to Tomato, scoring 81/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. At an average pH of 7.03 the soil sits above Tomato's preferred 6–7 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 Tomato, which favours loam. At current prices (about KES 50/kg) and a typical 15,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Tomato crop here can gross roughly KES 750,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Machakos soil | Tomato needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.03 | 6–7 | 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 | 600–1,400 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,100 m | 0–1,800 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