Growing Capsicum in Samburu

Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile

Samburu County is a challenging environment for Capsicum (soil-match score 16/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.28 the soil sits above Capsicum's preferred 5.5–7 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. Capsicum prefers loam soils, while Samburu is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Samburu receives approximately 350 mm/year — well below Capsicum's minimum of 600 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Capsicum's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 540,000/acre at KES 90/kg), but at Samburu's 16/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,200 kg/acre (~KES 108,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.