Growing Mint in Makueni
Soil suitability analysis based on Makueni's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Makueni is moderately suited to Mint. Makueni's soil (pH 7.5, alkaline) gives Mint a suitability score of 57/100. Match fertilizer to Makueni's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Mint can be grown in Makueni County, but the soil scores 57/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 7.5 — alkaline and inside the 6–7.5 band Mint prefers, so no lime is usually required. 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 Mint, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Mint is the #60 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Makueni County. Mint's full potential is about 4,000 kg/acre (~KES 400,000/acre at KES 100/kg), but at Makueni's 57/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,850 kg/acre (~KES 285,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Makueni's soil: Lucerne, Mango, and Sisal — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Makueni soil | Mint needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.5 | 6–7.5 | OK |
| 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 | 700–1,400 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 1,000 m | 500–2,200 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 Mint 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