Growing Butternut Squash in Marsabit

Soil suitability analysis based on Marsabit's nutrient profile

Marsabit County is a challenging environment for Butternut Squash (soil-match score 20/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.22 the soil sits above Butternut Squash's preferred 5.5–7.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.52 g/kg, P 37.3 mg/kg, K 420 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Butternut Squash, which favours sandy loam. Marsabit receives approximately 300 mm/year — well below Butternut Squash's minimum of 500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 40/kg) and a typical 8,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Butternut Squash crop here can gross roughly KES 320,000 per acre.