Growing Napier Grass in Meru

Soil suitability analysis based on Meru's nutrient profile

Meru County is a solid choice for Napier Grass, with a soil-match score of 66/100. At an average pH of 4.88 the soil is strongly acidic, below Napier Grass's preferred 5–8 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 Napier Grass's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Napier Grass, which favours loam. At current prices (about KES 5/kg) and a typical 15,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Napier Grass crop here can gross roughly KES 75,000 per acre.