Growing Coffee (Robusta) in Narok
Soil suitability analysis based on Narok's nutrient profile
Narok County is a challenging environment for Coffee (Robusta) (soil-match score 15/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.13 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–6.5 band Coffee (Robusta) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.63 g/kg), phosphorus (25.7 mg/kg) and potassium (234 mg/kg) all meet Coffee (Robusta)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Coffee (Robusta), which favours loam. Narok receives approximately 800 mm/year — well below Coffee (Robusta)'s minimum of 1500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 80/kg) and a typical 950 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Coffee (Robusta) crop here can gross roughly KES 76,000 per acre.
Soil match analysis
| Nutrient | Narok soil | Coffee (Robusta) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.13 | 5–6.5 | 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