Growing Guava in Nyandarua
Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Nyandarua is only marginally suited to Guava. Nyandarua's soil (pH 5.38, strongly acidic) gives Guava a suitability score of 46/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Guava can be grown in Nyandarua County, but the soil scores 46/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.38 the soil is moderately acidic, below Guava'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 Guava's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Guava prefers loam soils, while Nyandarua is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 2300 m, the county sits above Guava's preferred altitude ceiling of 1800 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Guava is the #74 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nyandarua County. Guava's full potential is about 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre at KES 60/kg), but at Nyandarua's 46/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 5,750 kg/acre (~KES 345,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Nyandarua's soil: Tea, Pyrethrum, and Potato — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nyandarua soil | Guava needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.38 | 5.5–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.28 g/kg | min 0.8 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 | 700–1,800 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 2,300 m | 0–1,800 m | High |
Planting calendar for Nyandarua
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Top dressing guide
Nyandarua's nitrogen (1.28 g/kg) already meets Guava's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag