Growing Cucumber in Murang'a

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

Murang'a County is a solid choice for Cucumber, with a soil-match score of 67/100. At an average pH of 5.03 the soil is moderately acidic, below Cucumber's preferred 5.8–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 1.2 g/kg, P 12.2 mg/kg, K 168 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Cucumber prefers loam soils, while Murang'a is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Cucumber's full potential is about 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 480,000/acre at KES 40/kg), but at Murang'a's 67/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 10,050 kg/acre (~KES 402,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

67Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorMurang'a soilCucumber needsStatus
pH5.035.87Adjust
Nitrogen1.2 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgOK
Phosphorus12.2 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium168 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgLow
Rainfall1,200 mm500–1,200 mmOK
Altitude1,500 m0–2,000 mOK

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Direct Sowing & Basal
Month 2
Trellising & Top Dressing & Pest Control
Month 3
Fruit Development & Harvest

Short Rains

Month 1
Direct Sowing & Basal
Month 2
Trellising & Top Dressing
Month 3
Harvest

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 3 and 5 then at flowering
Instruction
Add foliar potassium at fruiting for fruit size and quality.
Bags per Acre
0.4

Economics

Market priceKES 40/kg
Expected yield in Murang'a10,050 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 402,000/acre
Adjusted for Murang'a's 67/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Cucumber can reach 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 480,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag