Growing Capsicum in Vihiga

Soil suitability analysis based on Vihiga's nutrient profile

Capsicum can be grown in Vihiga County, but the soil scores 59/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 5.62 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–7 band Capsicum prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 1.02 g/kg, P 14.8 mg/kg, K 164 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Capsicum, which favours loam. At current prices (about KES 90/kg) and a typical 4,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Capsicum crop here can gross roughly KES 405,000 per acre.