Growing Lemon in Nyandarua

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile

Lemon can be grown in Nyandarua County, but the soil scores 53/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.38 the soil is moderately acidic, below Lemon'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. Lemon prefers loam soils, while Nyandarua is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Lemon's full potential is about 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 500,000/acre at KES 50/kg), but at Nyandarua's 53/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 6,625 kg/acre (~KES 331,250/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

53Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorNyandarua soilLemon needsStatus
pH5.3867.5Adjust
Nitrogen1.28 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgOK
Phosphorus14 mg/kgmin 20 mg/kgLow
Potassium166 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgLow
Rainfall1,100 mm600–1,500 mmOK
Altitude2,300 m0–2,100 mHigh

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Transplanting & Basal
Month 2
Pruning & Top Dressing
Month 3
Flowering & Fruit Set

Short Rains

Month 1
Transplanting & Basal
Month 2
Pruning & Top Dressing
Month 3
Fruit Development

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Three times per year
Instruction
Split citrus feeding across the year. Foliar zinc and manganese keep leaves healthy.
Bags per Acre
0.6

Economics

Market priceKES 50/kg
Expected yield in Nyandarua6,625 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 331,250/acre
Adjusted for Nyandarua's 53/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Lemon can reach 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 500,000/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(4,500)
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