Growing Courgette (Zucchini) in Vihiga

Soil suitability analysis based on Vihiga's nutrient profile

Courgette (Zucchini) can be grown in Vihiga County, but the soil scores 59/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.62 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Courgette (Zucchini)'s preferred 5.8–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen and potassium — measured at N 1.02 g/kg, P 14.8 mg/kg, K 164 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Courgette (Zucchini), which favours loam. Courgette (Zucchini)'s full potential is about 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre at KES 50/kg), but at Vihiga's 59/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 8,850 kg/acre (~KES 442,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.