Growing Mango in Meru

Soil suitability analysis based on Meru's nutrient profile

Meru County is a challenging environment for Mango (soil-match score 35/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 4.88 the soil is strongly acidic, below Mango's preferred 5.5–8.5 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 Mango's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Mango prefers sandy soils, while Meru is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 1500 m, the county sits above Mango's preferred altitude ceiling of 1200 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. Mango's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 80,000/acre at KES 10/kg), but at Meru's 35/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,500 kg/acre (~KES 35,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.