Growing Macadamia in Vihiga
Soil suitability analysis based on Vihiga's nutrient profile
Yes — Vihiga is well suited to Macadamia. Vihiga's soil (pH 5.62, slightly acidic) gives Macadamia a suitability score of 83/100. Match fertilizer to Vihiga's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Vihiga County is well suited to Macadamia, scoring 83/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 5.62 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 4.5–6.5 band Macadamia prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.02 g/kg), phosphorus (14.8 mg/kg) and potassium (164 mg/kg) all meet Macadamia's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Macadamia, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Macadamia is the #10 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Vihiga County. At current prices (about KES 110/kg) and a typical 1,800 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Macadamia crop here can gross roughly KES 198,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Vihiga soil | Macadamia needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.62 | 4.5–6.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.02 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 14.8 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 164 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,800 mm | 700–1,500 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 900–2,100 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Vihiga
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Vihiga's nitrogen (1.02 g/kg) already meets Macadamia's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Vihiga
3 macadamia varieties are rated for Vihiga's altitude (1,700 m) and rainfall (1,800 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag