Growing Mango in Vihiga
Soil suitability analysis based on Vihiga's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Vihiga is poorly suited to Mango. Vihiga's soil (pH 5.62, slightly acidic) gives Mango a suitability score of 26/100. Match fertilizer to Vihiga's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Vihiga County is a challenging environment for Mango (soil-match score 26/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 5.62 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–8.5 band Mango prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.02 g/kg), phosphorus (14.8 mg/kg) and potassium (164 mg/kg) all meet Mango's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Mango prefers sandy soils, while Vihiga is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 1700 m, the county sits above Mango's preferred altitude ceiling of 1200 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Mango is the #104 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Vihiga County. Mango's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 80,000/acre at KES 10/kg), but at Vihiga's 26/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,600 kg/acre (~KES 26,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Vihiga's soil: Sweet Potato, Soybeans, and Coffee (Arabica) — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Vihiga soil | Mango needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.62 | 5.5–8.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.02 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 14.8 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 164 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,800 mm | 500–1,200 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 0–1,200 m | High |
Top dressing guide
Vihiga's nitrogen (1.02 g/kg) already meets Mango's 0.5 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Vihiga's 1,700 m altitude and 1,800 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag