Growing Spinach in Samburu

Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile

Samburu County is a challenging environment for Spinach (soil-match score 18/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.28 the soil sits above Spinach's preferred 6–7.5 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 high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Spinach 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 Spinach's minimum of 600 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 25/kg) and a typical 3,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Spinach crop here can gross roughly KES 87,500 per acre.