Growing Spinach in Meru
Soil suitability analysis based on Meru's nutrient profile
Meru County is a solid choice for Spinach, with a soil-match score of 61/100. At an average pH of 4.88 the soil is strongly acidic, below Spinach'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 Spinach's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Spinach, which favours loam. At current prices (about KES 25/kg) and a typical 3,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Spinach crop here can gross roughly KES 87,500 per acre.
Suitability score
Soil match analysis
| Nutrient | Meru soil | Spinach needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.88 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.22 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 20.3 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 218 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
Recommended seed varieties
ViroflayMedium/Highland
Simlaw Seeds · 40-50 days · 60-80 bags/acre
Large dark leaves; continuous harvest; heat tolerant.
Giant NobelMedium/Highland
East Africa Seeds · 45-55 days · 70-90 bags/acre
Vigorous growth; smooth leaves; good market demand.
Economics
Market priceKES 25/kg
Expected yield3,500 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 87,500/acre
Preferred textureLoam
Fertilizer prices
DAP
KES 2,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,500(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 2,500(5,600)
Urea
KES 2,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag