Growing Broccoli in Murang'a
Soil suitability analysis based on Murang'a's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Murang'a is poorly suited to Broccoli. Murang'a's soil (pH 5.03, strongly acidic) gives Broccoli a suitability score of 38/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Murang'a County is a challenging environment for Broccoli (soil-match score 38/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.03 the soil is moderately acidic, below Broccoli's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 1.2 g/kg, P 12.2 mg/kg, K 168 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Broccoli prefers loam soils, while Murang'a is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Broccoli is the #100 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Murang'a County. Broccoli's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 540,000/acre at KES 90/kg), but at Murang'a's 38/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,850 kg/acre (~KES 256,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Murang'a's soil: Tea, Macadamia, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Murang'a soil | Broccoli needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.03 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.2 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 12.2 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 168 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 800–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 1,800–2,800 m | Low |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag