Growing Stevia in Vihiga
Soil suitability analysis based on Vihiga's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Vihiga is moderately suited to Stevia. Vihiga's soil (pH 5.62, slightly acidic) gives Stevia a suitability score of 65/100. Match fertilizer to Vihiga's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Vihiga County is a solid choice for Stevia, with a soil-match score of 65/100. At an average pH of 5.62 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Stevia'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 Stevia, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Stevia is the #38 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Vihiga County. Stevia's full potential is about 3,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre at KES 200/kg), but at Vihiga's 65/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,438 kg/acre (~KES 487,600/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Vihiga soil | Stevia 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 | 700–1,500 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 500–2,000 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Vihiga
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Top dressing guide
Vihiga's nitrogen (1.02 g/kg) is 85% of the 1.2 g/kg Stevia needs, so the standard 0.3 bags/acre is raised to 0.5. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag