Growing Tea in Nairobi

Soil suitability analysis based on Nairobi's nutrient profile

Nairobi County is a challenging environment for Tea (soil-match score 43/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 6.85 the soil sits above Tea's preferred 4.5–6 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 1.1 g/kg, P 22.1 mg/kg, K 236 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Tea, which favours clay. Tea's full potential is about 2,200 kg/acre (~KES 55,000/acre at KES 25/kg), but at Nairobi's 43/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,183 kg/acre (~KES 29,575/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.