Growing Coffee (Arabica) in Nakuru

Soil suitability analysis based on Nakuru's nutrient profile

Nakuru County is a solid choice for Coffee (Arabica), with a soil-match score of 68/100. At an average pH of 6.28 the soil sits above Coffee (Arabica)'s preferred 5–6 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (1.59 g/kg), phosphorus (25.2 mg/kg) and potassium (239 mg/kg) all meet Coffee (Arabica)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Coffee (Arabica), which favours loam. Coffee (Arabica)'s full potential is about 800 kg/acre (~KES 96,000/acre at KES 120/kg), but at Nakuru's 68/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 680 kg/acre (~KES 81,600/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.