Growing Stevia in Vihiga

Soil suitability analysis based on Vihiga's nutrient profile

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. 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.