Growing Avocado in Makueni

Soil suitability analysis based on Makueni's nutrient profile

Makueni County is a challenging environment for Avocado (soil-match score 42/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.5 the soil sits above Avocado's preferred 4.5–6.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.86 g/kg), phosphorus (29.6 mg/kg) and potassium (351 mg/kg) all meet Avocado's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Avocado, which favours sandy loam. Avocado's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 108,000/acre at KES 18/kg), but at Makueni's 42/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,150 kg/acre (~KES 56,700/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.