Growing Quinoa in Samburu

Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile

Samburu County is a challenging environment for Quinoa (soil-match score 25/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 8.28 — alkaline and inside the 6–8.5 band Quinoa prefers, so no lime is usually required. 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. Quinoa prefers loam soils, while Samburu is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 900 m, the county sits below Quinoa's preferred altitude range (1500–3000 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. Quinoa's full potential is about 700 kg/acre (~KES 105,000/acre at KES 150/kg), but at Samburu's 25/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 219 kg/acre (~KES 32,850/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.