Growing Coffee (Robusta) in Makueni

Soil suitability analysis based on Makueni's nutrient profile

Makueni County is a challenging environment for Coffee (Robusta) (soil-match score 9/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.5 the soil sits above Coffee (Robusta)'s preferred 5–6.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. 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/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Coffee (Robusta), which favours loam. Makueni receives approximately 600 mm/year — well below Coffee (Robusta)'s minimum of 1500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Coffee (Robusta)'s full potential is about 950 kg/acre (~KES 76,000/acre at KES 80/kg), but at Makueni's 9/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 107 kg/acre (~KES 8,560/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.