Growing Stevia in Murang'a
Soil suitability analysis based on Murang'a's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Murang'a is moderately suited to Stevia. Murang'a's soil (pH 5.03, strongly acidic) gives Stevia a suitability score of 62/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Stevia is the #56 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Murang'a County. 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.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Murang'a soil | Stevia 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 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 168 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 700–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 500–2,000 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 Stevia's 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag