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. At current prices (about KES 165/kg) and a typical 1,800 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Chilies crop here can gross roughly KES 297,000 per acre.