Growing Sugarcane in Nyandarua

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile

Nyandarua County is a challenging environment for Sugarcane (soil-match score 37/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.38 the soil is moderately acidic, below Sugarcane's preferred 5.5–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 1.28 g/kg, P 14 mg/kg, K 166 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Sugarcane prefers loam soils, while Nyandarua is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 2300 m, the county sits above Sugarcane's preferred altitude ceiling of 1500 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. At current prices (about KES 5/kg) and a typical 27,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Sugarcane crop here can gross roughly KES 135,000 per acre.