Growing Amaranth in Meru
Soil suitability analysis based on Meru's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Meru is moderately suited to Amaranth. Meru's soil (pH 4.88, strongly acidic) gives Amaranth a suitability score of 65/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Meru County is a solid choice for Amaranth, with a soil-match score of 65/100. At an average pH of 4.88 the soil is strongly acidic, below Amaranth's preferred 5.5–7.5 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 Amaranth's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Amaranth, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Amaranth is the #36 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Meru County. Amaranth's full potential is about 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 200,000/acre at KES 40/kg), but at Meru's 65/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,063 kg/acre (~KES 162,520/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Meru soil | Amaranth needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.88 | 5.5–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.22 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 20.3 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 218 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 500–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–2,400 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag