Growing Chilies in Samburu
Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Samburu is poorly suited to Chilies. Samburu's soil (pH 8.28, alkaline) gives Chilies a suitability score of 29/100. Match fertilizer to Samburu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Chilies is the #23 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Samburu County. 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.
Better matched to Samburu's soil: Sisal, Aloe Vera, and Green Grams — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Samburu soil | Chilies needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 8.28 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.67 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 42.1 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 387 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 350 mm | 500–1,200 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 900 m | 0–1,200 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Samburu's nitrogen (0.67 g/kg) is 84% of the 0.8 g/kg Chilies needs, so the standard 0.5 bags/acre is raised to 0.75. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Seed varieties for Samburu
Varieties suited to Samburu's 900 m altitude and 350 mm annual rainfall — 1 of 2 chilies varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag