Growing Stevia in Samburu

Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile

Samburu County is a challenging environment for Stevia (soil-match score 14/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.28 the soil sits above Stevia'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. Stevia 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 Stevia's minimum of 700 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Stevia's full potential is about 3,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre at KES 200/kg), but at Samburu's 14/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 525 kg/acre (~KES 105,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.