Growing Tea in Narok

Soil suitability analysis based on Narok's nutrient profile

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. 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.