Growing Tomato in Samburu
Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Samburu is poorly suited to Tomato. Samburu's soil (pH 8.28, alkaline) gives Tomato a suitability score of 17/100. Match fertilizer to Samburu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Samburu County is a challenging environment for Tomato (soil-match score 17/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.28 the soil sits above Tomato's preferred 6–7 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/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Tomato 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 Tomato's minimum of 600 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Tomato is the #55 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Samburu County. Tomato's full potential is about 15,000 kg/acre (~KES 750,000/acre at KES 50/kg), but at Samburu's 17/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,188 kg/acre (~KES 159,400/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Samburu's soil: Sisal, Aloe Vera, and Green Grams — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Samburu soil | Tomato needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 8.28 | 6–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.67 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 42.1 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 387 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 350 mm | 600–1,400 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 900 m | 0–1,800 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Samburu
Long Rains· March–May
Short Rains· October–DecemberMain season here
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Samburu's nitrogen (0.67 g/kg) is 56% of the 1.2 g/kg Tomato needs, so the standard 0.5 bags/acre is raised to 0.75. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Samburu's 900 m altitude and 350 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag