Growing Quinoa in Makueni

Soil suitability analysis based on Makueni's nutrient profile

Makueni County is a challenging environment for Quinoa (soil-match score 39/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 7.5 — alkaline and inside the 6–8.5 band Quinoa prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (0.86 g/kg), phosphorus (29.6 mg/kg) and potassium (351 mg/kg) all meet Quinoa's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Quinoa, which favours loam. At 1000 m, the county sits below Quinoa's preferred altitude range (1500–3000 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. Quinoa's full potential is about 700 kg/acre (~KES 105,000/acre at KES 150/kg), but at Makueni's 39/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 341 kg/acre (~KES 51,150/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.