Growing Macadamia in Nairobi

Soil suitability analysis based on Nairobi's nutrient profile

Nairobi County is a solid choice for Macadamia, with a soil-match score of 71/100. At an average pH of 6.85 the soil sits above Macadamia's preferred 4.5–6.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (1.1 g/kg), phosphorus (22.1 mg/kg) and potassium (236 mg/kg) all meet Macadamia's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Macadamia, which favours loam. Macadamia's full potential is about 1,800 kg/acre (~KES 198,000/acre at KES 110/kg), but at Nairobi's 71/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,598 kg/acre (~KES 175,780/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.