Growing Aloe Vera in Murang'a

Soil suitability analysis based on Murang'a's nutrient profile

Murang'a County is a challenging environment for Aloe Vera (soil-match score 39/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.03 the soil is moderately acidic, below Aloe Vera's preferred 6–8 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.2 g/kg), phosphorus (12.2 mg/kg) and potassium (168 mg/kg) all meet Aloe Vera's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Aloe Vera prefers sandy loam soils, while Murang'a is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Aloe Vera's full potential is about 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 480,000/acre at KES 40/kg), but at Murang'a's 39/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 5,850 kg/acre (~KES 234,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.