Growing Courgette (Zucchini) in Tana River
Soil suitability analysis based on Tana River's nutrient profile
Courgette (Zucchini) can be grown in Tana River County, but the soil scores 52/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 6.4 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.8–7 band Courgette (Zucchini) prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 1.04 g/kg, P 8.5 mg/kg, K 108 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Courgette (Zucchini) prefers loam soils, while Tana River is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Courgette (Zucchini)'s full potential is about 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre at KES 50/kg), but at Tana River's 52/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 7,800 kg/acre (~KES 390,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Tana River soil | Courgette (Zucchini) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.4 | 5.8–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.04 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 8.5 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 108 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 400 mm | 500–1,200 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 200 m | 0–2,100 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Top dressing guide
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag