Growing Stevia in Nyandarua
Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Nyandarua is only marginally suited to Stevia. Nyandarua's soil (pH 5.38, strongly acidic) gives Stevia a suitability score of 52/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Stevia is the #67 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nyandarua County. 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.
Better matched to Nyandarua's soil: Tea, Pyrethrum, and Potato — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nyandarua soil | Stevia needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.38 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| 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 | 700–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 2,300 m | 500–2,000 m | High |
Planting calendar for Nyandarua
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Top dressing guide
Nyandarua's nitrogen (1.28 g/kg) already meets Stevia's 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag