Growing Lemon in Murang'a
Soil suitability analysis based on Murang'a's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Murang'a is moderately suited to Lemon. Murang'a's soil (pH 5.03, strongly acidic) gives Lemon a suitability score of 55/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Lemon can be grown in Murang'a County, but the soil scores 55/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.03 the soil is moderately acidic, below Lemon'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. Lemon prefers loam soils, while Murang'a is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Lemon is the #68 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Murang'a County. Lemon's full potential is about 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 500,000/acre at KES 50/kg), but at Murang'a's 55/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 6,875 kg/acre (~KES 343,750/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 | Lemon 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 | 600–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–2,100 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Murang'a
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Top dressing guide
Murang'a's nitrogen (1.2 g/kg) already meets Lemon's 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag