Growing Spinach in Wajir
Soil suitability analysis based on Wajir's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Wajir is poorly suited to Spinach. Wajir's soil (pH 8.4, alkaline) gives Spinach a suitability score of 5/100. Match fertilizer to Wajir's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Wajir County is a challenging environment for Spinach (soil-match score 5/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.4 the soil sits above Spinach's preferred 6–7.5 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 high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Spinach 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 Spinach's minimum of 600 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Spinach is the #41 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Wajir County. Spinach's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 200,000/acre at KES 25/kg), but at Wajir's 5/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 500 kg/acre (~KES 12,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Wajir's soil: Sisal, Aloe Vera, and Green Grams — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Wajir soil | Spinach needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 8.4 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.52 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 39.3 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 396 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 200 mm | 600–1,400 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 250 m | 0–2,500 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Wajir's nitrogen (0.52 g/kg) is 43% of the 1.2 g/kg Spinach needs, so the standard 0.5 bags/acre is raised to 0.75. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Wajir's 250 m altitude and 200 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag