Growing Coconuts in Wajir

Soil suitability analysis based on Wajir's nutrient profile

Wajir County is a challenging environment for Coconuts (soil-match score 6/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.4 the soil sits above Coconuts's preferred 5.5–8 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 Coconuts's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Coconuts, which favours sandy. Wajir receives approximately 200 mm/year — well below Coconuts's minimum of 650 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Coconuts's full potential is about 2,500 kg/acre (~KES 55,000/acre at KES 22/kg), but at Wajir's 6/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 188 kg/acre (~KES 4,136/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.