Growing Garlic in Samburu

Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile

Samburu County is a challenging environment for Garlic (soil-match score 27/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.28 the soil sits above Garlic'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 high/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Garlic, which favours sandy loam. Samburu receives approximately 350 mm/year — well below Garlic's minimum of 500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 275/kg) and a typical 1,800 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Garlic crop here can gross roughly KES 495,000 per acre.