Growing Cabbage in Samburu

Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile

Samburu County is a challenging environment for Cabbage (soil-match score 12/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.28 the soil sits above Cabbage's preferred 5–7.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.67 g/kg, P 42.1 mg/kg, K 387 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Cabbage prefers clay loam soils, while Samburu is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Samburu receives approximately 350 mm/year — well below Cabbage's minimum of 700 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Cabbage's full potential is about 15,000 kg/acre (~KES 270,000/acre at KES 18/kg), but at Samburu's 12/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,250 kg/acre (~KES 40,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.