Growing Mango in Nakuru
Soil suitability analysis based on Nakuru's nutrient profile
Mango can be grown in Nakuru County, but the soil scores 46/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 6.28 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–8.5 band Mango prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.59 g/kg), phosphorus (25.2 mg/kg) and potassium (239 mg/kg) all meet Mango's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Mango prefers sandy soils, while Nakuru is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 1750 m, the county sits above Mango's preferred altitude ceiling of 1200 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. At current prices (about KES 10/kg) and a typical 2,800 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Mango crop here can gross roughly KES 28,000 per acre.
Soil match analysis
| Nutrient | Nakuru soil | Mango needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.28 | 5.5–8.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.59 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 25.2 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 239 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag