Growing Amaranth in Mandera

Soil suitability analysis based on Mandera's nutrient profile

Mandera County is a challenging environment for Amaranth (soil-match score 6/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.38 the soil sits above Amaranth's preferred 5.5–7.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.53 g/kg, P 38.3 mg/kg, K 420 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Amaranth prefers loam soils, while Mandera is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Mandera receives approximately 180 mm/year — well below Amaranth's minimum of 500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Amaranth is the #27 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Mandera County. Amaranth's full potential is about 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 200,000/acre at KES 40/kg), but at Mandera's 6/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 375 kg/acre (~KES 15,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Mandera's soil: Sisal, Aloe Vera, and Green Grams — each scores higher on the same soil.