Growing Coffee (Arabica) in Taita Taveta

Soil suitability analysis based on Taita Taveta's nutrient profile

Taita Taveta County is a challenging environment for Coffee (Arabica) (soil-match score 5/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 6.64 the soil sits above Coffee (Arabica)'s preferred 5–6 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. 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/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly loam soils suit Coffee (Arabica), which favours loam. Taita Taveta receives approximately 500 mm/year — well below Coffee (Arabica)'s minimum of 1000 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Coffee (Arabica)'s full potential is about 800 kg/acre (~KES 96,000/acre at KES 120/kg), but at Taita Taveta's 5/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 50 kg/acre (~KES 6,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.