Growing Okra in Vihiga

Soil suitability analysis based on Vihiga's nutrient profile

Vihiga County is a challenging environment for Okra (soil-match score 33/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.62 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Okra's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.02 g/kg), phosphorus (14.8 mg/kg) and potassium (164 mg/kg) all meet Okra's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Okra, which favours loam. At 1700 m, the county sits above Okra's preferred altitude ceiling of 1300 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. Okra's full potential is about 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 300,000/acre at KES 60/kg), but at Vihiga's 33/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,063 kg/acre (~KES 123,780/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.