Growing Quinoa in Murang'a

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

Murang'a County is a challenging environment for Quinoa (soil-match score 43/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.03 the soil is moderately acidic, below Quinoa's preferred 6–8.5 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 Quinoa's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Quinoa prefers loam soils, while Murang'a is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Quinoa's full potential is about 700 kg/acre (~KES 105,000/acre at KES 150/kg), but at Murang'a's 43/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 376 kg/acre (~KES 56,400/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.