Growing Tea in Narok
Soil suitability analysis based on Narok's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Narok is only marginally suited to Tea. Narok's soil (pH 6.13, slightly acidic) gives Tea a suitability score of 43/100. Match fertilizer to Narok's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Narok County is a challenging environment for Tea (soil-match score 43/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 6.13 the soil sits above Tea's preferred 4.5–6 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 Tea's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Tea, which favours clay. Narok receives approximately 800 mm/year — well below Tea's minimum of 1100 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Tea is the #96 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Narok County. Tea's full potential is about 2,200 kg/acre (~KES 55,000/acre at KES 25/kg), but at Narok's 43/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,183 kg/acre (~KES 29,575/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Narok's soil: Finger Millet, Groundnuts, and Soybeans — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Narok soil | Tea needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.13 | 4.5–6 | Adjust |
| 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 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 800 mm | 1,100–2,500 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 1,500–3,000 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Narok
Long Rains· April–JuneMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Dry Season· February–April
Top dressing guide
Narok's nitrogen (1.63 g/kg) already meets Tea's 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Narok
Varieties suited to Narok's 1,700 m altitude and 800 mm annual rainfall — 2 of 2 tea varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag