Growing Kale (Sukuma Wiki) in Nyeri

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyeri's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Yes — Nyeri is well suited to Kale (Sukuma Wiki). Nyeri's soil (pH 5.23, strongly acidic) gives Kale (Sukuma Wiki) a suitability score of 82/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.

Nyeri County is well suited to Kale (Sukuma Wiki), scoring 82/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 5.23 — moderately acidic and inside the 5–7 band Kale (Sukuma Wiki) prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 1.09 g/kg, P 15.5 mg/kg, K 192 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay soils suit Kale (Sukuma Wiki), which favours clay loam. At current prices (about KES 20/kg) and a typical 12,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Kale (Sukuma Wiki) crop here can gross roughly KES 240,000 per acre.

82Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorNyeri soilKale (Sukuma Wiki) needsStatus
pH5.2357OK
Nitrogen1.09 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgLow
Phosphorus15.5 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium192 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK
Rainfall1,200 mm700–1,800 mmOK
Altitude1,700 m500–2,500 mOK

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Transplanting & Basal Fertilizer
Month 2
First Harvest & Top Dressing
Month 3
Continuous Harvesting & Top Dressing

Short Rains

Month 1
Transplanting & Basal Fertilizer
Month 2
Top Dressing & Pest Control
Month 3
Continuous Harvesting

Dry Season

Month 1
Irrigation & Continuous Harvesting
Month 2
Top Dressing Every 3 Weeks
Month 3
Replanting if stand is old

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Every 3 weeks after first harvest
Instruction
Kale is a heavy feeder. Regular top dressing is critical for continuous harvest.
Bags per Acre
0.5

Recommended seed varieties

Thousand HeadedMedium/Highland
Simlaw Seeds · 60-70 days · 5–6 tons/acre
Continuous harvesting up to 9 months.
Collard Mfalme F1Medium/Highland
Royal Seeds · 45-60 days · 7–8 tons/acre
High yielding hybrid; soft large leaves.

Economics

Market priceKES 20/kg
Expected yield 12,000 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 240,000/acre

Preferred textureClay Loam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag