Growing Finger Millet in Makueni

Soil suitability analysis based on Makueni's nutrient profile

Makueni County is a solid choice for Finger Millet, with a soil-match score of 65/100. At an average pH of 7.5 the soil sits above Finger Millet's preferred 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 Finger Millet's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Finger Millet, which favours sandy. Finger Millet's full potential is about 800 kg/acre (~KES 48,000/acre at KES 60/kg), but at Makueni's 65/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 650 kg/acre (~KES 39,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.