Growing Aloe Vera in West Pokot
Soil suitability analysis based on West Pokot's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — West Pokot is moderately suited to Aloe Vera. West Pokot's soil (pH 6.04, slightly acidic) gives Aloe Vera a suitability score of 63/100. Match fertilizer to West Pokot's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
West Pokot County is a solid choice for Aloe Vera, with a soil-match score of 63/100. Local soils average pH 6.04 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 6–8 band Aloe Vera prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.67 g/kg), phosphorus (24.8 mg/kg) and potassium (211 mg/kg) all meet Aloe Vera's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Aloe Vera, which favours sandy loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Aloe Vera is the #95 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for West Pokot County. Aloe Vera's full potential is about 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 480,000/acre at KES 40/kg), but at West Pokot's 63/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 9,450 kg/acre (~KES 378,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | West Pokot soil | Aloe Vera needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.04 | 6–8 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.67 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 24.8 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 211 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,000 mm | 250–700 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–2,000 m | OK |
Planting calendar for West Pokot
Long Rains· April–JuneMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Top dressing guide
West Pokot's nitrogen (1.67 g/kg) already meets Aloe Vera's 0.5 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag