Growing Jute Mallow (Mrenda) in Tana River

Soil suitability analysis based on Tana River's nutrient profile

Tana River County is a challenging environment for Jute Mallow (Mrenda) (soil-match score 37/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.4 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.8–7 band Jute Mallow (Mrenda) 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/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Jute Mallow (Mrenda) prefers loam soils, while Tana River is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Tana River receives approximately 400 mm/year — well below Jute Mallow (Mrenda)'s minimum of 600 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Jute Mallow (Mrenda)'s full potential is about 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 250,000/acre at KES 50/kg), but at Tana River's 37/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,313 kg/acre (~KES 115,650/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.