Growing Capsicum in Meru
Soil suitability analysis based on Meru's nutrient profile
Meru County is a solid choice for Capsicum, with a soil-match score of 62/100. At an average pH of 4.88 the soil is strongly acidic, below Capsicum's preferred 5.5–7 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 Capsicum's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Capsicum, which favours loam. At current prices (about KES 90/kg) and a typical 4,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Capsicum crop here can gross roughly KES 405,000 per acre.
Suitability score
Soil match analysis
| Nutrient | Meru soil | Capsicum needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.88 | 5.5–7 | 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 |
Top dressing guide
Product
CAN
Timing
Week 3 and Week 6
Instruction
Split nitrogen application. Add calcium nitrate to prevent blossom end rot.
Bags per Acre
0.5
Recommended seed varieties
California WonderMedium/Highland
Simlaw Seeds · 75-85 days · 60-80 bags/acre
Large blocky fruits; excellent fresh market demand.
Yolo WonderMedium
East Africa Seeds · 70-80 days · 50-70 bags/acre
Open-pollinated; reliable yield; tolerant to tobacco mosaic virus.
Economics
Market priceKES 90/kg
Expected yield4,500 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 405,000/acre
Preferred textureLoam
Fertilizer prices
DAP
KES 2,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,500(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 2,500(5,600)
Urea
KES 2,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag