Growing Tea in West Pokot
Soil suitability analysis based on West Pokot's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — West Pokot is moderately suited to Tea. West Pokot's soil (pH 6.04, slightly acidic) gives Tea a suitability score of 69/100. Match fertilizer to West Pokot's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
West Pokot County is a solid choice for Tea, with a soil-match score of 69/100. At an average pH of 6.04 the soil sits above Tea's preferred 4.5–6 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (1.67 g/kg), phosphorus (24.8 mg/kg) and potassium (211 mg/kg) all meet Tea's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Tea prefers clay soils, while West Pokot is largely sandy loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Tea is the #84 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for West Pokot County. Tea's full potential is about 2,200 kg/acre (~KES 55,000/acre at KES 25/kg), but at West Pokot's 69/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,898 kg/acre (~KES 47,450/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | West Pokot soil | Tea needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.04 | 4.5–6 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.67 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 24.8 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 211 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,000 mm | 1,100–2,500 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 1,500–3,000 m | OK |
Planting calendar for West Pokot
Long Rains· April–JuneMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Dry Season· February–April
Top dressing guide
West Pokot's nitrogen (1.67 g/kg) already meets Tea's 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for West Pokot's 1,500 m altitude and 1,000 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag