Growing Napier Grass in Makueni

Soil suitability analysis based on Makueni's nutrient profile

Makueni County is a challenging environment for Napier Grass (soil-match score 42/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 7.5 — alkaline and inside the 5–8 band Napier Grass prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (0.86 g/kg), phosphorus (29.6 mg/kg) and potassium (351 mg/kg) all meet Napier Grass's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Napier Grass, which favours loam. At current prices (about KES 5/kg) and a typical 15,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Napier Grass crop here can gross roughly KES 75,000 per acre.