Growing Sorghum in Meru

Soil suitability analysis based on Meru's nutrient profile

Meru County is a challenging environment for Sorghum (soil-match score 33/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 4.88 the soil is strongly acidic, below Sorghum'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 Sorghum's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Sorghum, which favours clay. At current prices (about KES 68/kg) and a typical 1,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Sorghum crop here can gross roughly KES 68,000 per acre.