Growing Garlic in Mandera

Soil suitability analysis based on Mandera's nutrient profile

Mandera County is a challenging environment for Garlic (soil-match score 6/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.38 the soil sits above Garlic's preferred 6–7.5 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/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Garlic, which favours sandy loam. Mandera receives approximately 180 mm/year — well below Garlic's minimum of 500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 275/kg) and a typical 1,800 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Garlic crop here can gross roughly KES 495,000 per acre.