Growing Pineapple in Samburu

Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile

Samburu County is a challenging environment for Pineapple (soil-match score 6/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.28 the soil sits above Pineapple'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/low/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Pineapple, which favours sandy loam. Samburu receives approximately 350 mm/year — well below Pineapple's minimum of 1000 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 35/kg) and a typical 30,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Pineapple crop here can gross roughly KES 1,050,000 per acre.