Growing Stevia in Murang'a

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

Murang'a County is a solid choice for Stevia, with a soil-match score of 62/100. At an average pH of 5.03 the soil is moderately acidic, below Stevia's preferred 6–7.5 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 Stevia's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Stevia prefers loam soils, while Murang'a is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Stevia's full potential is about 3,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre at KES 200/kg), but at Murang'a's 62/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,325 kg/acre (~KES 465,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.