Growing Spinach in Vihiga
Soil suitability analysis based on Vihiga's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Vihiga is moderately suited to Spinach. Vihiga's soil (pH 5.62, slightly acidic) gives Spinach a suitability score of 62/100. Match fertilizer to Vihiga's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Vihiga County is a solid choice for Spinach, with a soil-match score of 62/100. At an average pH of 5.62 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Spinach's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 1.02 g/kg, P 14.8 mg/kg, K 164 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Spinach, which favours loam. Spinach's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 200,000/acre at KES 25/kg), but at Vihiga's 62/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 6,200 kg/acre (~KES 155,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Vihiga soil | Spinach needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.62 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.02 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 14.8 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 164 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,800 mm | 600–1,400 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 0–2,500 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag