Growing Sugarcane in Meru
Soil suitability analysis based on Meru's nutrient profile
Meru County is a solid choice for Sugarcane, with a soil-match score of 69/100. At an average pH of 4.88 the soil is strongly acidic, below Sugarcane's preferred 5.5–7 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 Sugarcane's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Sugarcane, which favours loam. At current prices (about KES 5/kg) and a typical 27,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Sugarcane crop here can gross roughly KES 135,000 per acre.
Suitability score
Soil match analysis
| Nutrient | Meru soil | Sugarcane needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.88 | 5.5–7 | 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 200 mg/kg | OK |
Top dressing guide
Product
CAN
Timing
Week 6-8 and Month 4
Instruction
Heavy nitrogen feeder. Apply in two split portions during early tillering.
Bags per Acre
1.5
Recommended seed varieties
CO 421Dryland/Medium
KESREF · 365-540 days · 400-600 tons/acre
Medium staple; high sucrose content; adapted to western Kenya.
N14Medium
KESREF · 365-540 days · 450-650 tons/acre
High yielding; good ratoon ability; widely grown in Nyanza and Western.
Economics
Market priceKES 5/kg
Expected yield27,000 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 135,000/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