Growing Groundnuts in Mandera

Soil suitability analysis based on Mandera's nutrient profile

Mandera County is a challenging environment for Groundnuts (soil-match score 7/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.38 the soil sits above Groundnuts's preferred 5–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.53 g/kg), phosphorus (38.3 mg/kg) and potassium (420 mg/kg) all meet Groundnuts's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Groundnuts, which favours sandy. Mandera receives approximately 180 mm/year — well below Groundnuts's minimum of 500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 90/kg) and a typical 400 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Groundnuts crop here can gross roughly KES 36,000 per acre.