Growing Aloe Vera in Mombasa
Soil suitability analysis based on Mombasa's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Mombasa is moderately suited to Aloe Vera. Mombasa's soil (pH 6.24, slightly acidic) gives Aloe Vera a suitability score of 65/100. Match fertilizer to Mombasa's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Mombasa County is a solid choice for Aloe Vera, with a soil-match score of 65/100. Local soils average pH 6.24 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 6–8 band Aloe Vera prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 0.95 g/kg, P 8.4 mg/kg, K 136 mg/kg against this crop's low/low/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Aloe Vera, which favours sandy loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Aloe Vera is the #59 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Mombasa County. Aloe Vera's full potential is about 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 480,000/acre at KES 40/kg), but at Mombasa's 65/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 9,750 kg/acre (~KES 390,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Mombasa soil | Aloe Vera needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.24 | 6–8 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.95 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 8.4 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 136 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,000 mm | 250–700 mm | High |
| Altitude | 50 m | 0–2,000 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Mombasa
Long Rains· April–JuneMain season here
Short Rains· November–January
Top dressing guide
Mombasa's nitrogen (0.95 g/kg) already meets Aloe Vera's 0.5 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag