Growing Broccoli in Meru
Soil suitability analysis based on Meru's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Meru is only marginally suited to Broccoli. Meru's soil (pH 4.88, strongly acidic) gives Broccoli a suitability score of 42/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Meru County is a challenging environment for Broccoli (soil-match score 42/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 4.88 the soil is strongly acidic, below Broccoli's preferred 6–7.5 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 Broccoli's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Broccoli, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Broccoli is the #84 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Meru County. Broccoli's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 540,000/acre at KES 90/kg), but at Meru's 42/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,150 kg/acre (~KES 283,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Meru's soil: Tea, Avocado, and Macadamia — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Meru soil | Broccoli needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.88 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.22 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 20.3 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 218 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 800–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 1,800–2,800 m | Low |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag