Growing Stevia in Nyandarua

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile

Stevia can be grown in Nyandarua County, but the soil scores 52/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.38 the soil is moderately acidic, below Stevia'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 Stevia's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Stevia prefers loam soils, while Nyandarua is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Stevia's full potential is about 3,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre at KES 200/kg), but at Nyandarua's 52/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,950 kg/acre (~KES 390,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.