Growing Tomato in Samburu

Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile

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. At current prices (about KES 40/kg) and a typical 5,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Tomato crop here can gross roughly KES 200,000 per acre.