Growing Kale (Sukuma Wiki) in Samburu
Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Samburu is poorly suited to Kale (Sukuma Wiki). Samburu's soil (pH 8.28, alkaline) gives Kale (Sukuma Wiki) a suitability score of 11/100. Match fertilizer to Samburu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Samburu County is a challenging environment for Kale (Sukuma Wiki) (soil-match score 11/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.28 the soil sits above Kale (Sukuma Wiki)'s preferred 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/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Kale (Sukuma Wiki) prefers clay loam soils, while Samburu is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Samburu receives approximately 350 mm/year — well below Kale (Sukuma Wiki)'s minimum of 700 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Kale (Sukuma Wiki) is the #71 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Samburu County. Kale (Sukuma Wiki)'s full potential is about 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 240,000/acre at KES 20/kg), but at Samburu's 11/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,650 kg/acre (~KES 33,000/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 | Kale (Sukuma Wiki) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 8.28 | 5–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.67 g/kg | min 1.2 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 | 700–1,800 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 900 m | 500–2,500 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Samburu
Long Rains· March–May
Short Rains· October–DecemberMain season here
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Samburu's nitrogen (0.67 g/kg) is 56% of the 1.2 g/kg Kale (Sukuma Wiki) needs, so the standard 0.5 bags/acre is raised to 0.75. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Samburu's 900 m altitude and 350 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag