Growing Okra in Meru

Soil suitability analysis based on Meru's nutrient profile

Meru County is a challenging environment for Okra (soil-match score 43/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 4.88 the soil is strongly acidic, below Okra'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 Okra's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Okra, which favours loam. Okra's full potential is about 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 300,000/acre at KES 60/kg), but at Meru's 43/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,688 kg/acre (~KES 161,280/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.