Growing Tomato in Murang'a

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

Tomato can be grown in Murang'a County, but the soil scores 59/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.03 the soil is moderately acidic, below Tomato's preferred 6–7 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. Tomato prefers loam soils, while Murang'a is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At current prices (about KES 40/kg) and a typical 5,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Tomato crop here can gross roughly KES 200,000 per acre.