Growing Tea in Nakuru

Soil suitability analysis based on Nakuru's nutrient profile

Tea can be grown in Nakuru County, but the soil scores 52/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 6.28 the soil sits above Tea's preferred 4.5–6 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 Tea's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. 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 Nakuru's 52/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,430 kg/acre (~KES 35,750/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.