Growing Banana in Narok
Soil suitability analysis based on Narok's nutrient profile
Narok County is a challenging environment for Banana (soil-match score 41/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.13 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7 band Banana prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.63 g/kg), phosphorus (25.7 mg/kg) and potassium (234 mg/kg) all meet Banana's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Banana, which favours loam. Narok receives approximately 800 mm/year — well below Banana's minimum of 1200 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 12/kg) and a typical 7,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Banana crop here can gross roughly KES 90,000 per acre.
Soil match analysis
| Nutrient | Narok soil | Banana needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.13 | 5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.63 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 25.7 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 234 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag