Growing Cape Gooseberry in Nyamira
Soil suitability analysis based on Nyamira's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Nyamira is moderately suited to Cape Gooseberry. Nyamira's soil (pH 5.58, slightly acidic) gives Cape Gooseberry a suitability score of 65/100. Match fertilizer to Nyamira's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Nyamira County is a solid choice for Cape Gooseberry, with a soil-match score of 65/100. At an average pH of 5.58 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Cape Gooseberry's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 0.84 g/kg, P 11.6 mg/kg, K 148 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Cape Gooseberry, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cape Gooseberry is the #39 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nyamira County. Cape Gooseberry's full potential is about 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre at KES 120/kg), but at Nyamira's 65/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,063 kg/acre (~KES 487,560/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nyamira soil | Cape Gooseberry needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.58 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.84 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 11.6 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 148 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,600 mm | 700–1,400 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 1,200–2,600 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Nyamira
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Top dressing guide
Nyamira's nitrogen (0.84 g/kg) already meets Cape Gooseberry's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag