Growing Sugarcane in Makueni

Soil suitability analysis based on Makueni's nutrient profile

Makueni County is a challenging environment for Sugarcane (soil-match score 20/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.5 the soil sits above Sugarcane's preferred 5.5–7 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/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Sugarcane, which favours loam. Makueni receives approximately 600 mm/year — well below Sugarcane's minimum of 1100 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Sugarcane's full potential is about 27,000 kg/acre (~KES 135,000/acre at KES 5/kg), but at Makueni's 20/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 6,750 kg/acre (~KES 33,750/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.