Growing Kale (Sukuma Wiki) in Nyandarua
Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile
Yes — Nyandarua is well suited to Kale (Sukuma Wiki). Nyandarua's soil (pH 5.38, strongly acidic) gives Kale (Sukuma Wiki) a suitability score of 85/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Nyandarua County is well suited to Kale (Sukuma Wiki), scoring 85/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 5.38 — moderately acidic and inside the 5–7 band Kale (Sukuma Wiki) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.28 g/kg), phosphorus (14 mg/kg) and potassium (166 mg/kg) all meet Kale (Sukuma Wiki)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay soils suit Kale (Sukuma Wiki), which favours clay loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Kale (Sukuma Wiki) is the #4 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nyandarua County. At current prices (about KES 20/kg) and a typical 12,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Kale (Sukuma Wiki) crop here can gross roughly KES 240,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nyandarua soil | Kale (Sukuma Wiki) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.38 | 5–7 | OK |
| 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 | 700–1,800 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 2,300 m | 500–2,500 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 Kale (Sukuma Wiki)'s 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Nyandarua
2 kale (sukuma wiki) varieties are rated for Nyandarua's altitude (2,300 m) and rainfall (1,100 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag