Growing Cabbage in Marsabit

Soil suitability analysis based on Marsabit's nutrient profile

Marsabit County is a challenging environment for Cabbage (soil-match score 9/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.22 the soil sits above Cabbage's preferred 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 high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Cabbage prefers clay loam soils, while Marsabit is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Marsabit receives approximately 300 mm/year — well below Cabbage's minimum of 700 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Cabbage's full potential is about 15,000 kg/acre (~KES 270,000/acre at KES 18/kg), but at Marsabit's 9/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,688 kg/acre (~KES 30,384/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

9Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorMarsabit soilCabbage needsStatus
pH8.2257.5Adjust
Nitrogen0.52 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgLow
Phosphorus37.3 mg/kgmin 20 mg/kgOK
Potassium420 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgOK
Rainfall300 mm700–1,500 mmLow
Altitude1,100 m800–2,500 mOK

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Nursery & Transplanting & Basal Fertilizer
Month 2
Top Dressing & Caterpillar Control
Month 3
Head Formation & Pest Scouting

Short Rains

Month 1
Nursery & Transplanting
Month 2
Top Dressing & Pest Control
Month 3
Harvesting

Dry Season

Month 1
Irrigation-based Transplanting
Month 2
Top Dressing & Pest Management
Month 3
Harvesting & Land Preparation

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 3 and Week 6 after transplanting
Instruction
Split into 2 applications. Cabbage is a heavy N feeder.
Bags per Acre
1

Recommended seed varieties

Gloria F1Medium/Highland
East Africa Seeds · 70-85 days · 15–20 tons/acre
Compact heads; tolerant to black rot.
Copenhagen MarketMedium/Highland
Simlaw Seeds · 80-95 days · 12.5–17.5 tons/acre
Round heads; reliable open-pollinated variety.

Economics

Market priceKES 18/kg
Expected yield in Marsabit1,688 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 30,384/acre
Adjusted for Marsabit's 9/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Cabbage can reach 15,000 kg/acre (~KES 270,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureClay Loam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag