Growing Coffee (Robusta) in Taita Taveta

Soil suitability analysis based on Taita Taveta's nutrient profile

Taita Taveta County is a challenging environment for Coffee (Robusta) (soil-match score 8/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 6.64 the soil sits above Coffee (Robusta)'s preferred 5–6.5 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 (Robusta), which favours loam. Taita Taveta receives approximately 500 mm/year — well below Coffee (Robusta)'s minimum of 1500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 80/kg) and a typical 950 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Coffee (Robusta) crop here can gross roughly KES 76,000 per acre.