Growing Coffee (Robusta) in Nakuru

Soil suitability analysis based on Nakuru's nutrient profile

Nakuru County is a challenging environment for Coffee (Robusta) (soil-match score 15/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.28 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–6.5 band Coffee (Robusta) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.59 g/kg), phosphorus (25.2 mg/kg) and potassium (239 mg/kg) all meet Coffee (Robusta)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Coffee (Robusta), which favours loam. Nakuru receives approximately 900 mm/year — well below Coffee (Robusta)'s minimum of 1500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Coffee (Robusta)'s full potential is about 950 kg/acre (~KES 76,000/acre at KES 80/kg), but at Nakuru's 15/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 178 kg/acre (~KES 14,240/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.