Growing Macadamia in Samburu

Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile

Samburu County is a challenging environment for Macadamia (soil-match score 12/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.28 the soil sits above Macadamia's preferred 4.5–6.5 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. Macadamia prefers loam soils, while Samburu is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Samburu receives approximately 350 mm/year — well below Macadamia's minimum of 700 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Macadamia's full potential is about 1,800 kg/acre (~KES 198,000/acre at KES 110/kg), but at Samburu's 12/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 270 kg/acre (~KES 29,700/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.