Growing Amaranth in Makueni
Soil suitability analysis based on Makueni's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Makueni is moderately suited to Amaranth. Makueni's soil (pH 7.5, alkaline) gives Amaranth a suitability score of 71/100. Match fertilizer to Makueni's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Makueni County is a solid choice for Amaranth, with a soil-match score of 71/100. Local soils average pH 7.5 — alkaline and inside the 5.5–7.5 band Amaranth prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.86 g/kg, P 29.6 mg/kg, K 351 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Amaranth, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Amaranth is the #39 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Makueni County. Amaranth's full potential is about 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 200,000/acre at KES 40/kg), but at Makueni's 71/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,438 kg/acre (~KES 177,520/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Makueni soil | Amaranth needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.5 | 5.5–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.86 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 29.6 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 351 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 600 mm | 500–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,000 m | 0–2,400 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Makueni
Long Rains· March–May
Short Rains· October–DecemberMain season here
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Makueni's nitrogen (0.86 g/kg) is 72% of the 1.2 g/kg Amaranth needs, so the standard 1 bag/acre is raised to 1.25. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Seed varieties for Makueni
4 amaranth varieties are rated for Makueni's altitude (1,000 m) and rainfall (600 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag