Growing Mango in Nyeri

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyeri's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Generally not ideal — Nyeri is poorly suited to Mango. Nyeri's soil (pH 5.23, strongly acidic) gives Mango a suitability score of 32/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.

Nyeri County is a challenging environment for Mango (soil-match score 32/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.23 the soil is moderately acidic, below Mango's preferred 5.5–8.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.09 g/kg), phosphorus (15.5 mg/kg) and potassium (192 mg/kg) all meet Mango's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Mango prefers sandy soils, while Nyeri is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 1700 m, the county sits above Mango's preferred altitude ceiling of 1200 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. Mango's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 80,000/acre at KES 10/kg), but at Nyeri's 32/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,200 kg/acre (~KES 32,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

32Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorNyeri soilMango needsStatus
pH5.235.58.5Adjust
Nitrogen1.09 g/kgmin 0.5 g/kgOK
Phosphorus15.5 mg/kgmin 6 mg/kgOK
Potassium192 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK
Rainfall1,200 mm500–1,200 mmOK
Altitude1,700 m0–1,200 mHigh

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Before flowering (once annually)
Instruction
Apply 2–3 months before expected flowering. Excess N delays fruiting.
Bags per Acre
0.3

Recommended seed varieties

Apple MangoCoastal/Dryland
KALRO/HCDA · 1000-1200 days · 3.6–5.4 tons/acre
Most popular domestic variety; sweet and juicy.
Tommy AtkinsCoastal/Dryland
KALRO/HCDA · 1000-1200 days · 4.5–7.2 tons/acre
Export quality; good shelf life; disease tolerant.

Economics

Market priceKES 10/kg
Expected yield in Nyeri3,200 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 32,000/acre
Adjusted for Nyeri's 32/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Mango can reach 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 80,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureSandy

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