Growing Potato in Mombasa
Soil suitability analysis based on Mombasa's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Mombasa is poorly suited to Potato. Mombasa's soil (pH 6.24, slightly acidic) gives Potato a suitability score of 0/100. Match fertilizer to Mombasa's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Mombasa County is a challenging environment for Potato (soil-match score 0/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.24 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 4.8–6.5 band Potato 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/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Potato, which favours sandy loam. At 50 m, the county sits below Potato's preferred altitude range (1500–3000 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Potato is the #70 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Mombasa County. Potato's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 304,000/acre at KES 38/kg), but at Mombasa's 0/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 0 kg/acre (~KES 0/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Mombasa's soil: Finger Millet, Cashew Nuts, and Napier Grass — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Mombasa soil | Potato needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.24 | 4.8–6.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.95 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 8.4 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 136 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,000 mm | 700–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 50 m | 1,500–3,000 m | Low |
Planting calendar for Mombasa
Long Rains· April–JuneMain season here
Short Rains· November–January
Dry Season· February–April
Top dressing guide
Mombasa's nitrogen (0.95 g/kg) is 79% of the 1.2 g/kg Potato needs, so the standard 1 bag/acre is raised to 1.25. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Recommended seed varieties
All 14 listed potato varieties shown — none are specifically rated for Mombasa's conditions. Confirm with your agrovet.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag