Growing Courgette (Zucchini) in Wajir

Soil suitability analysis based on Wajir's nutrient profile

Wajir County is a challenging environment for Courgette (Zucchini) (soil-match score 7/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.4 the soil sits above Courgette (Zucchini)'s preferred 5.8–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.52 g/kg, P 39.3 mg/kg, K 396 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Courgette (Zucchini) prefers loam soils, while Wajir is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Wajir receives approximately 200 mm/year — well below Courgette (Zucchini)'s minimum of 500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Courgette (Zucchini)'s full potential is about 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre at KES 50/kg), but at Wajir's 7/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,050 kg/acre (~KES 52,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

7Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorWajir soilCourgette (Zucchini) needsStatus
pH8.45.87Adjust
Nitrogen0.52 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgLow
Phosphorus39.3 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium396 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgOK
Rainfall200 mm500–1,200 mmLow
Altitude250 m0–2,100 mOK

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Direct Sowing & Basal
Month 2
Top Dressing & Pest Control
Month 3
Fruiting & Harvest

Short Rains

Month 1
Direct Sowing & Basal
Month 2
Top Dressing
Month 3
Fruiting & Harvest

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 3 and at flowering
Instruction
Add potassium at fruiting for continuous fruit set and quality.
Bags per Acre
0.4

Economics

Market priceKES 50/kg
Expected yield in Wajir1,050 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 52,500/acre
Adjusted for Wajir's 7/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Courgette (Zucchini) can reach 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag