Growing Jute Mallow (Mrenda) in Nyandarua

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Yes, with the right inputs — Nyandarua is moderately suited to Jute Mallow (Mrenda). Nyandarua's soil (pH 5.38, strongly acidic) gives Jute Mallow (Mrenda) a suitability score of 58/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.

Jute Mallow (Mrenda) can be grown in Nyandarua County, but the soil scores 58/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.38 the soil is moderately acidic, below Jute Mallow (Mrenda)'s preferred 5.8–7 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 Jute Mallow (Mrenda)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Jute Mallow (Mrenda) prefers loam soils, while Nyandarua is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Jute Mallow (Mrenda) is the #49 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nyandarua County. Jute Mallow (Mrenda)'s full potential is about 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 250,000/acre at KES 50/kg), but at Nyandarua's 58/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,625 kg/acre (~KES 181,250/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Nyandarua's soil: Tea, Pyrethrum, and Potato — each scores higher on the same soil.

58Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorNyandarua soilJute Mallow (Mrenda) needsStatus
pH5.385.87Adjust
Nitrogen1.28 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgOK
Phosphorus14 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium166 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK
Rainfall1,100 mm600–1,400 mmOK
Altitude2,300 m0–2,000 mHigh

Planting calendar for Nyandarua

Long Rains· MarchMayMain season here

March
Direct Sowing & Basal
April
Thinning & Top Dressing
May
Continuous Harvest

Short Rains· OctoberDecember

October
Direct Sowing & Basal
November
Thinning & Top Dressing
December
Continuous Harvest

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 2 and after each harvest
Instruction
Top-dress after each cutting for continuous leaf harvest.
Bags per acre in Nyandarua
0.250.3

Nyandarua's nitrogen (1.28 g/kg) already meets Jute Mallow (Mrenda)'s 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.

Economics

Market priceKES 50/kg
Expected yield in Nyandarua3,625 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 181,250/acre
Adjusted for Nyandarua's 58/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Jute Mallow (Mrenda) can reach 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 250,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(5,700)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag