Growing Watermelon in Marsabit

Soil suitability analysis based on Marsabit's nutrient profile

Watermelon can be grown in Marsabit County, but the soil scores 59/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 8.22 the soil sits above Watermelon's preferred 6–7.5 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/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Watermelon, which favours sandy. At current prices (about KES 10/kg) and a typical 5,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Watermelon crop here can gross roughly KES 55,000 per acre.