Growing Rosemary in Nandi
Soil suitability analysis based on Nandi's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Nandi is moderately suited to Rosemary. Nandi's soil (pH 6.17, slightly acidic) gives Rosemary a suitability score of 60/100. Match fertilizer to Nandi's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Nandi County is a solid choice for Rosemary, with a soil-match score of 60/100. Local soils average pH 6.17 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 6–8 band Rosemary prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.37 g/kg), phosphorus (26.4 mg/kg) and potassium (207 mg/kg) all meet Rosemary's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Rosemary prefers sandy loam soils, while Nandi is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Rosemary is the #73 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nandi County. Rosemary's full potential is about 2,500 kg/acre (~KES 375,000/acre at KES 150/kg), but at Nandi's 60/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,875 kg/acre (~KES 281,250/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nandi soil | Rosemary needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.17 | 6–8 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.37 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 26.4 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 207 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 400–900 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,900 m | 800–2,400 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Nandi
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Top dressing guide
Nandi's nitrogen (1.37 g/kg) already meets Rosemary's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag