Growing Macadamia in Makueni

Soil suitability analysis based on Makueni's nutrient profile

Makueni County is a challenging environment for Macadamia (soil-match score 42/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.5 the soil sits above Macadamia's preferred 4.5–6.5 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 Macadamia's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Macadamia, which favours loam. Macadamia's full potential is about 1,800 kg/acre (~KES 198,000/acre at KES 110/kg), but at Makueni's 42/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 945 kg/acre (~KES 103,950/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.