Growing Tea in Nandi
Soil suitability analysis based on Nandi's nutrient profile
Yes — Nandi is well suited to Tea. Nandi's soil (pH 6.17, slightly acidic) gives Tea a suitability score of 80/100. Match fertilizer to Nandi's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Nandi County is well suited to Tea, scoring 80/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. At an average pH of 6.17 the soil sits above Tea's preferred 4.5–6 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (1.37 g/kg), phosphorus (26.4 mg/kg) and potassium (207 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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Tea is the #52 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nandi County. At current prices (about KES 25/kg) and a typical 2,200 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Tea crop here can gross roughly KES 55,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nandi soil | Tea needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.17 | 4.5–6 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.37 g/kg | min 1.2 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 | 1,100–2,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,900 m | 1,500–3,000 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Nandi
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Nandi's nitrogen (1.37 g/kg) already meets Tea's 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Nandi
Varieties suited to Nandi's 1,900 m altitude and 1,400 mm annual rainfall — 2 of 2 tea varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag