Growing Sisal in Nyandarua

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile

Nyandarua County is a challenging environment for Sisal (soil-match score 29/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.38 the soil is moderately acidic, below Sisal's preferred 5.5–8.5 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 Sisal's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Sisal prefers sandy soils, while Nyandarua is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 2300 m, the county sits above Sisal's preferred altitude ceiling of 1800 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sisal is the #94 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nyandarua County. Sisal's full potential is about 1,000 kg/acre (~KES 90,000/acre at KES 90/kg), but at Nyandarua's 29/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 363 kg/acre (~KES 32,670/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

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