Growing Aloe Vera in Wajir

Soil suitability analysis based on Wajir's nutrient profile

Wajir County is a challenging environment for Aloe Vera (soil-match score 41/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.4 the soil sits above Aloe Vera's preferred 6–8 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.52 g/kg), phosphorus (39.3 mg/kg) and potassium (396 mg/kg) all meet Aloe Vera's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Aloe Vera, which favours sandy loam. Aloe Vera's full potential is about 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 480,000/acre at KES 40/kg), but at Wajir's 41/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 6,150 kg/acre (~KES 246,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.