Growing Carrot in Makueni

Soil suitability analysis based on Makueni's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Yes, with the right inputs — Makueni is moderately suited to Carrot. Makueni's soil (pH 7.5, alkaline) gives Carrot a suitability score of 70/100. Match fertilizer to Makueni's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.

Makueni County is a solid choice for Carrot, with a soil-match score of 70/100. At an average pH of 7.5 the soil sits above Carrot's preferred 5.5–7 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 Carrot's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Carrot, which favours sandy loam. Carrot's full potential is about 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 380,000/acre at KES 38/kg), but at Makueni's 70/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 8,750 kg/acre (~KES 332,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

70Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorMakueni soilCarrot needsStatus
pH7.55.57Adjust
Nitrogen0.86 g/kgmin 0.5 g/kgOK
Phosphorus29.6 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium351 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgOK
Rainfall600 mm600–1,200 mmOK
Altitude1,000 m1,000–2,500 mOK

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 4-5 after sowing
Instruction
Apply at thinning stage when roots begin swelling. Avoid over-application — causes forked roots.
Bags per Acre
0.5

Recommended seed varieties

NantesMedium/Highland
Simlaw Seeds · 70-80 days · 4–5 tons/acre
Cylindrical roots; sweet flavor; excellent fresh market variety.
ChantenayMedium
Simlaw Seeds · 75-90 days · 3.5–4.5 tons/acre
Broad shoulders; good for heavy soils; reliable yield.

Economics

Market priceKES 38/kg
Expected yield in Makueni8,750 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 332,500/acre
Adjusted for Makueni's 70/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Carrot can reach 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 380,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureSandy Loam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag