Growing Basil in Taita Taveta
Soil suitability analysis based on Taita Taveta's nutrient profile
Taita Taveta County is a solid choice for Basil, with a soil-match score of 60/100. Local soils average pH 6.64 — neutral and inside the 6–7.5 band Basil prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen and potassium — measured at N 0.97 g/kg, P 12.9 mg/kg, K 104 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly loam soils suit Basil, which favours loam. Basil's full potential is about 4,000 kg/acre (~KES 480,000/acre at KES 120/kg), but at Taita Taveta's 60/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,000 kg/acre (~KES 360,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Taita Taveta soil | Basil needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.64 | 6–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.97 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 12.9 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 104 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 500 mm | 600–1,200 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 700 m | 0–2,100 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Top dressing guide
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag