Growing Sugarcane in Mombasa
Soil suitability analysis based on Mombasa's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Mombasa is moderately suited to Sugarcane. Mombasa's soil (pH 6.24, slightly acidic) gives Sugarcane a suitability score of 68/100. Match fertilizer to Mombasa's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Mombasa County is a solid choice for Sugarcane, with a soil-match score of 68/100. Local soils average pH 6.24 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–7 band Sugarcane 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. Sugarcane prefers loam soils, while Mombasa is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sugarcane is the #55 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Mombasa County. Sugarcane's full potential is about 27,000 kg/acre (~KES 135,000/acre at KES 5/kg), but at Mombasa's 68/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 22,950 kg/acre (~KES 114,750/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Mombasa soil | Sugarcane needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.24 | 5.5–7 | 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 |
| Rainfall | 1,000 mm | 1,100–2,000 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 50 m | 0–1,500 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Mombasa's nitrogen (0.95 g/kg) is 79% of the 1.2 g/kg Sugarcane needs, so the standard 1 bag/acre is raised to 1.25. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Mombasa's 50 m altitude and 1,000 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag