Growing Aloe Vera in Meru

Soil suitability analysis based on Meru's nutrient profile

Meru County is a challenging environment for Aloe Vera (soil-match score 30/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 4.88 the soil is strongly acidic, below Aloe Vera's preferred 6–8 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.22 g/kg), phosphorus (20.3 mg/kg) and potassium (218 mg/kg) all meet Aloe Vera's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Aloe Vera prefers sandy loam soils, while Meru is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Aloe Vera's full potential is about 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 480,000/acre at KES 40/kg), but at Meru's 30/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,500 kg/acre (~KES 180,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.