Growing Tea in Migori
Soil suitability analysis based on Migori's nutrient profile
Migori County is a solid choice for Tea, with a soil-match score of 68/100. Local soils average pH 5.43 — moderately acidic and inside the 4.5–6 band Tea prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.2 g/kg), phosphorus (12.2 mg/kg) and potassium (169 mg/kg) all meet Tea's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Tea, which favours clay. Tea's full potential is about 2,200 kg/acre (~KES 55,000/acre at KES 25/kg), but at Migori's 68/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,870 kg/acre (~KES 46,750/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Suitability score
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Migori soil | Tea needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.43 | 4.5–6 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.2 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 12.2 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 169 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 1,100–2,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,300 m | 1,500–3,000 m | Low |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Month 1
Plucking & NPK Fertilizer Application
Month 2
Plucking & Weed Control
Month 3
Pest Monitoring & Top Dressing
Short Rains
Month 1
Plucking & Top Dressing
Month 2
Plucking & Pest Control
Month 3
Fertilizer Application
Dry Season
Month 1
Pruning & Canopy Management
Month 2
Land Conservation & Mulching
Month 3
Recovery Plucking
Top dressing guide
Product
NPK 26:5:5
Timing
Continuous (every 3 months)
Instruction
Apply evenly around root zone. Avoid lime — tea prefers acidic soil.
Bags per Acre
1
Recommended seed varieties
TRFK 31/8Highland Tea Zone
Tea Research Institute · 1000-1200 days · 2500–3500 kg/acre
Drought tolerant; standard yield control clone.
TRFK 306 (Purple Tea)Highland Tea Zone
Tea Research Institute · 1000-1200 days · 2000–3000 kg/acre
Rich in anthocyanin; premium specialty tea.
Economics
Market priceKES 25/kg
Expected yield in Migori1,870 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 46,750/acre
Adjusted for Migori's 68/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Tea can reach 2,200 kg/acre (~KES 55,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.
Preferred textureClay
Fertilizer prices
DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
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