Growing Strawberry in Wajir

Soil suitability analysis based on Wajir's nutrient profile

Wajir County is a challenging environment for Strawberry (soil-match score 0/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.4 the soil sits above Strawberry's preferred 5.5–6.8 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/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Strawberry 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 Strawberry's minimum of 700 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Strawberry's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 1,200,000/acre at KES 200/kg), but at Wajir's 0/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 0 kg/acre (~KES 0/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

0Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorWajir soilStrawberry needsStatus
pH8.45.56.8Adjust
Nitrogen0.52 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgLow
Phosphorus39.3 mg/kgmin 20 mg/kgOK
Potassium396 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgOK
Rainfall200 mm700–1,500 mmLow
Altitude250 m1,500–2,800 mLow

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Runner Transplanting & Basal
Month 2
Mulching & Top Dressing
Month 3
Fruiting & Harvest

Short Rains

Month 1
Runner Transplanting & Basal
Month 2
Mulching & Top Dressing
Month 3
Fruiting & Harvest

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Every 3 weeks in season
Instruction
Split-feed through the fruiting window. Add foliar calcium and potassium for fruit quality.
Bags per Acre
0.4

Economics

Market priceKES 200/kg
Expected yield in Wajir0 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 0/acre
Adjusted for Wajir's 0/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Strawberry can reach 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 1,200,000/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