Growing African Nightshade in Vihiga
Soil suitability analysis based on Vihiga's nutrient profile
Vihiga County is a solid choice for African Nightshade, with a soil-match score of 70/100. Local soils average pH 5.62 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–7.5 band African Nightshade prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 1.02 g/kg, P 14.8 mg/kg, K 164 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit African Nightshade, which favours loam. At current prices (about KES 50/kg) and a typical 3,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed African Nightshade crop here can gross roughly KES 175,000 per acre.
Soil match analysis
| Nutrient | Vihiga soil | African Nightshade needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.62 | 5.5–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.02 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 14.8 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 164 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag