Growing Broccoli in Makueni
Soil suitability analysis based on Makueni's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Makueni is poorly suited to Broccoli. Makueni's soil (pH 7.5, alkaline) gives Broccoli a suitability score of 13/100. Match fertilizer to Makueni's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Makueni County is a challenging environment for Broccoli (soil-match score 13/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 7.5 — alkaline and inside the 6–7.5 band Broccoli 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/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Broccoli, which favours loam. At 1000 m, the county sits below Broccoli's preferred altitude range (1800–2800 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Broccoli is the #99 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Makueni County. Broccoli's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 540,000/acre at KES 90/kg), but at Makueni's 13/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 975 kg/acre (~KES 87,750/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Makueni's soil: Lucerne, Mango, and Sisal — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Makueni soil | Broccoli needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.5 | 6–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.86 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 29.6 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 351 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 600 mm | 800–1,500 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 1,000 m | 1,800–2,800 m | Low |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag