Growing Macadamia in Wajir

Soil suitability analysis based on Wajir's nutrient profile

Wajir County is a challenging environment for Macadamia (soil-match score 0/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.4 the soil sits above Macadamia's preferred 4.5–6.5 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 medium/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Macadamia 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 Macadamia's minimum of 700 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 110/kg) and a typical 1,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Macadamia crop here can gross roughly KES 165,000 per acre.