Growing Cape Gooseberry in Nyeri
Soil suitability analysis based on Nyeri's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Nyeri is moderately suited to Cape Gooseberry. Nyeri's soil (pH 5.23, strongly acidic) gives Cape Gooseberry a suitability score of 67/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Nyeri County is a solid choice for Cape Gooseberry, with a soil-match score of 67/100. At an average pH of 5.23 the soil is moderately acidic, below Cape Gooseberry's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 1.09 g/kg, P 15.5 mg/kg, K 192 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Cape Gooseberry prefers loam soils, while Nyeri is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cape Gooseberry is the #49 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nyeri County. Cape Gooseberry's full potential is about 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre at KES 120/kg), but at Nyeri's 67/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,188 kg/acre (~KES 502,560/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nyeri soil | Cape Gooseberry needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.23 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.09 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 15.5 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 192 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 700–1,400 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 1,200–2,600 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Nyeri
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Top dressing guide
Nyeri's nitrogen (1.09 g/kg) already meets Cape Gooseberry's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag