Growing Aloe Vera in Nandi

Soil suitability analysis based on Nandi's nutrient profile

Nandi County is a challenging environment for Aloe Vera (soil-match score 41/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.17 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 6–8 band Aloe Vera prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.37 g/kg), phosphorus (26.4 mg/kg) and potassium (207 mg/kg) all meet Aloe Vera's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Aloe Vera prefers sandy loam soils, while Nandi is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Aloe Vera's full potential is about 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 480,000/acre at KES 40/kg), but at Nandi's 41/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 6,150 kg/acre (~KES 246,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.