Growing Spinach in Wajir

Soil suitability analysis based on Wajir's nutrient profile

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. At current prices (about KES 25/kg) and a typical 3,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Spinach crop here can gross roughly KES 87,500 per acre.

5Suitability score

Soil match analysis

NutrientWajir soilSpinach needsStatus
pH8.467.5Adjust
Nitrogen0.52 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgLow
Phosphorus39.3 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium396 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK

Recommended seed varieties

ViroflayMedium/Highland
Simlaw Seeds · 40-50 days · 60-80 bags/acre
Large dark leaves; continuous harvest; heat tolerant.
Giant NobelMedium/Highland
East Africa Seeds · 45-55 days · 70-90 bags/acre
Vigorous growth; smooth leaves; good market demand.

Economics

Market priceKES 25/kg
Expected yield3,500 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 87,500/acre

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

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

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag