Growing Chilies in Samburu

Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile

Samburu County is a challenging environment for Chilies (soil-match score 29/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.28 the soil sits above Chilies's preferred 6–7.5 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 medium/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Chilies, which favours sandy loam. Samburu receives approximately 350 mm/year — well below Chilies's minimum of 500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Chilies's full potential is about 2,500 kg/acre (~KES 412,500/acre at KES 165/kg), but at Samburu's 29/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 906 kg/acre (~KES 149,490/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.