Growing Mango in Nairobi

Soil suitability analysis based on Nairobi's nutrient profile

Mango can be grown in Nairobi County, but the soil scores 47/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 6.85 — neutral and inside the 5.5–8.5 band Mango prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.1 g/kg), phosphorus (22.1 mg/kg) and potassium (236 mg/kg) all meet Mango's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Mango prefers sandy soils, while Nairobi is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 1700 m, the county sits above Mango's preferred altitude ceiling of 1200 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. Mango's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 80,000/acre at KES 10/kg), but at Nairobi's 47/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,700 kg/acre (~KES 47,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.