Growing Rosemary in Samburu

Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile

Rosemary can be grown in Samburu County, but the soil scores 49/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 8.28 the soil sits above Rosemary's preferred 6–8 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. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Rosemary, which favours sandy loam. Rosemary's full potential is about 2,500 kg/acre (~KES 375,000/acre at KES 150/kg), but at Samburu's 49/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,531 kg/acre (~KES 229,650/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

49Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorSamburu soilRosemary needsStatus
pH8.2868Adjust
Nitrogen0.67 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgLow
Phosphorus42.1 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium387 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK
Rainfall350 mm400–900 mmLow
Altitude900 m800–2,400 mOK

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Cutting Establishment
Month 2
Weeding & Light Feeding
Month 3
Harvest & Pruning

Short Rains

Month 1
Cutting Establishment
Month 2
Weeding
Month 3
Harvest & Pruning

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Twice per season
Instruction
Light feeder — over-feeding reduces oil content and hardiness.
Bags per Acre
0.2

Economics

Market priceKES 150/kg
Expected yield in Samburu1,531 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 229,650/acre
Adjusted for Samburu's 49/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Rosemary can reach 2,500 kg/acre (~KES 375,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureSandy Loam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag