Growing Broccoli in Nyandarua
Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Nyandarua is moderately suited to Broccoli. Nyandarua's soil (pH 5.38, strongly acidic) gives Broccoli a suitability score of 63/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Nyandarua County is a solid choice for Broccoli, with a soil-match score of 63/100. At an average pH of 5.38 the soil is moderately acidic, below Broccoli'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 1.28 g/kg, P 14 mg/kg, K 166 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Broccoli prefers loam soils, while Nyandarua is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Broccoli is the #35 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nyandarua County. Broccoli's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 540,000/acre at KES 90/kg), but at Nyandarua's 63/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,725 kg/acre (~KES 425,250/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nyandarua soil | Broccoli needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.38 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.28 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 14 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 166 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,100 mm | 800–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 2,300 m | 1,800–2,800 m | OK |
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 Broccoli's 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Nyandarua
3 broccoli varieties are rated for Nyandarua's altitude (2,300 m) and rainfall (1,100 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag