Growing Banana in Mombasa
Soil suitability analysis based on Mombasa's nutrient profile
Banana can be grown in Mombasa County, but the soil scores 56/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 6.24 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7 band Banana prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 0.95 g/kg, P 8.4 mg/kg, K 136 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Banana prefers loam soils, while Mombasa is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At current prices (about KES 12/kg) and a typical 7,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Banana crop here can gross roughly KES 90,000 per acre.
Soil match analysis
| Nutrient | Mombasa soil | Banana needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.24 | 5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.95 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 8.4 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 136 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag