Growing Pineapple in Makueni

Soil suitability analysis based on Makueni's nutrient profile

Makueni County is a challenging environment for Pineapple (soil-match score 21/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.5 the soil sits above Pineapple'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 Pineapple's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Pineapple, which favours sandy loam. Makueni receives approximately 600 mm/year — well below Pineapple's minimum of 1000 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Pineapple is the #87 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Makueni County. Pineapple's full potential is about 25,000 kg/acre (~KES 875,000/acre at KES 35/kg), but at Makueni's 21/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 6,563 kg/acre (~KES 229,705/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Makueni's soil: Lucerne, Mango, and Sisal — each scores higher on the same soil.