Growing Stevia in Taita Taveta

Soil suitability analysis based on Taita Taveta's nutrient profile

Taita Taveta County is a challenging environment for Stevia (soil-match score 44/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.64 — neutral and inside the 6–7.5 band Stevia 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 Stevia, which favours loam. Taita Taveta receives approximately 500 mm/year — well below Stevia's minimum of 700 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Stevia's full potential is about 3,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre at KES 200/kg), but at Taita Taveta's 44/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,650 kg/acre (~KES 330,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.