Growing Potato in Makueni
Soil suitability analysis based on Makueni's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Makueni is poorly suited to Potato. Makueni's soil (pH 7.5, alkaline) gives Potato a suitability score of 18/100. Match fertilizer to Makueni's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Makueni County is a challenging environment for Potato (soil-match score 18/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.5 the soil sits above Potato's preferred 4.8–6.5 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/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Potato, which favours sandy loam. At 1000 m, the county sits below Potato's preferred altitude range (1500–3000 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Potato is the #92 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Makueni County. Potato's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 304,000/acre at KES 38/kg), but at Makueni's 18/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,800 kg/acre (~KES 68,400/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 | Potato needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.5 | 4.8–6.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.86 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 29.6 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 351 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 600 mm | 700–1,500 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 1,000 m | 1,500–3,000 m | Low |
Planting calendar for Makueni
Long Rains· March–May
Short Rains· October–DecemberMain season here
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Makueni's nitrogen (0.86 g/kg) is 72% of the 1.2 g/kg Potato needs, so the standard 1 bag/acre is raised to 1.25. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Seed varieties for Makueni
Varieties suited to Makueni's 1,000 m altitude and 600 mm annual rainfall — 1 of 14 potato varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag