Growing Jute Mallow (Mrenda) in Makueni
Soil suitability analysis based on Makueni's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Makueni is moderately suited to Jute Mallow (Mrenda). Makueni's soil (pH 7.5, alkaline) gives Jute Mallow (Mrenda) a suitability score of 69/100. Match fertilizer to Makueni's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Makueni County is a solid choice for Jute Mallow (Mrenda), with a soil-match score of 69/100. At an average pH of 7.5 the soil sits above Jute Mallow (Mrenda)'s preferred 5.8–7 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/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Jute Mallow (Mrenda), which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Jute Mallow (Mrenda) is the #46 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Makueni County. Jute Mallow (Mrenda)'s full potential is about 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 250,000/acre at KES 50/kg), but at Makueni's 69/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,313 kg/acre (~KES 215,650/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Makueni soil | Jute Mallow (Mrenda) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.5 | 5.8–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.86 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 29.6 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 351 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 600 mm | 600–1,400 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,000 m | 0–2,000 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Makueni
Long Rains· March–May
Short Rains· October–DecemberMain season here
Top dressing guide
Makueni's nitrogen (0.86 g/kg) is 72% of the 1.2 g/kg Jute Mallow (Mrenda) needs, so the standard 0.3 bags/acre is raised to 0.5. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag