Growing Coffee (Arabica) in Narok

Soil suitability analysis based on Narok's nutrient profile

Coffee (Arabica) can be grown in Narok County, but the soil scores 55/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 6.13 the soil sits above Coffee (Arabica)'s preferred 5–6 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (1.63 g/kg), phosphorus (25.7 mg/kg) and potassium (234 mg/kg) all meet Coffee (Arabica)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Coffee (Arabica), which favours loam. Coffee (Arabica)'s full potential is about 800 kg/acre (~KES 96,000/acre at KES 120/kg), but at Narok's 55/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 550 kg/acre (~KES 66,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.