Growing African Nightshade in Nyandarua
Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Nyandarua is moderately suited to African Nightshade. Nyandarua's soil (pH 5.38, strongly acidic) gives African Nightshade a suitability score of 68/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Nyandarua County is a solid choice for African Nightshade, with a soil-match score of 68/100. At an average pH of 5.38 the soil is moderately acidic, below African Nightshade's preferred 5.5–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.28 g/kg), phosphorus (14 mg/kg) and potassium (166 mg/kg) all meet African Nightshade's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. African Nightshade prefers loam soils, while Nyandarua is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, African Nightshade is the #29 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nyandarua County. African Nightshade's full potential is about 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 250,000/acre at KES 50/kg), but at Nyandarua's 68/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,250 kg/acre (~KES 212,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nyandarua soil | African Nightshade needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.38 | 5.5–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.28 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 14 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 166 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,100 mm | 800–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 2,300 m | 1,000–2,200 m | High |
Planting calendar for Nyandarua
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Nyandarua's nitrogen (1.28 g/kg) already meets African Nightshade's 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Nyandarua
2 african nightshade varieties are rated for Nyandarua's altitude (2,300 m) and rainfall (1,100 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag