Growing Chilies in Nyamira

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyamira's nutrient profile

Nyamira County is a challenging environment for Chilies (soil-match score 35/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.58 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Chilies'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/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Chilies, which favours sandy loam. At 1700 m, the county sits above Chilies's preferred altitude ceiling of 1200 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. At current prices (about KES 165/kg) and a typical 1,800 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Chilies crop here can gross roughly KES 297,000 per acre.

35Suitability score

Soil match analysis

NutrientNyamira soilChilies needsStatus
pH5.5867.5Adjust
Nitrogen0.84 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgOK
Phosphorus11.6 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgLow
Potassium148 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgLow

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Every 4 weeks during harvest
Instruction
Apply nitrogen to support continuous leaf and pepper setting.
Bags per Acre
0.5

Recommended seed varieties

Pilipili KichaaDryland/Medium
Local/KALRO · 90-120 days · 20-30 bags/acre
Very pungent; high market demand; drought tolerant.
Cayenne LongMedium
Simlaw Seeds · 80-100 days · 25-35 bags/acre
High yield; good for drying and fresh market.

Economics

Market priceKES 165/kg
Expected yield1,800 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 297,000/acre

Preferred textureSandy Loam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 2,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,500(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 2,500(5,600)
Urea
KES 2,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag