Growing Cucumber in Meru

Soil suitability analysis based on Meru's nutrient profile

Meru County is a solid choice for Cucumber, with a soil-match score of 61/100. At an average pH of 4.88 the soil is strongly acidic, below Cucumber's preferred 5.8–7 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 Cucumber's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Cucumber, which favours loam. Cucumber's full potential is about 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 480,000/acre at KES 40/kg), but at Meru's 61/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 9,150 kg/acre (~KES 366,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.