Growing Pineapple in Taita Taveta

Soil suitability analysis based on Taita Taveta's nutrient profile

Taita Taveta County is a challenging environment for Pineapple (soil-match score 18/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 6.64 the soil sits above Pineapple's preferred 4.5–6.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 0.97 g/kg, P 12.9 mg/kg, K 104 mg/kg against this crop's medium/low/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly loam soils suit Pineapple, which favours sandy loam. Taita Taveta receives approximately 500 mm/year — well below Pineapple's minimum of 1000 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 35/kg) and a typical 30,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Pineapple crop here can gross roughly KES 1,050,000 per acre.