Growing Okra in Nyandarua

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile

Nyandarua County is a challenging environment for Okra (soil-match score 22/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.38 the soil is moderately acidic, below Okra's preferred 6–7.5 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 Okra's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Okra prefers loam soils, while Nyandarua is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 2300 m, the county sits above Okra's preferred altitude ceiling of 1300 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. Okra's full potential is about 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 300,000/acre at KES 60/kg), but at Nyandarua's 22/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,375 kg/acre (~KES 82,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.