Growing Rosemary in Migori

Soil suitability analysis based on Migori's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Possible but challenging — Migori is only marginally suited to Rosemary. Migori's soil (pH 5.43, strongly acidic) gives Rosemary a suitability score of 47/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.

Rosemary can be grown in Migori County, but the soil scores 47/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.43 the soil is moderately acidic, below Rosemary's preferred 6–8 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.2 g/kg), phosphorus (12.2 mg/kg) and potassium (169 mg/kg) all meet Rosemary's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Rosemary prefers sandy loam soils, while Migori is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Rosemary is the #85 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Migori County. Rosemary's full potential is about 2,500 kg/acre (~KES 375,000/acre at KES 150/kg), but at Migori's 47/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,469 kg/acre (~KES 220,350/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Migori's soil: Cassava, Macadamia, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.

47Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorMigori soilRosemary needsStatus
pH5.4368Adjust
Nitrogen1.2 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgOK
Phosphorus12.2 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium169 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK
Rainfall1,400 mm400–900 mmHigh
Altitude1,300 m800–2,400 mOK

Planting calendar for Migori

Long Rains· MarchMayMain season here

March
Cutting Establishment
April
Weeding & Light Feeding
May
Harvest & Pruning

Short Rains· SeptemberNovember

September
Cutting Establishment
October
Weeding
November
Harvest & Pruning

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Twice per season
Instruction
Light feeder — over-feeding reduces oil content and hardiness.
Bags per acre in Migori
0.250.2

Migori's nitrogen (1.2 g/kg) already meets Rosemary's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.

Economics

Market priceKES 150/kg
Expected yield in Migori1,469 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 220,350/acre
Adjusted for Migori's 47/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Rosemary can reach 2,500 kg/acre (~KES 375,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureSandy Loam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(5,700)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag