How does ShambaIQ decide which crop is best for my soil?

ShambaIQ compares your soil's measured pH, total nitrogen (g/kg), extractable phosphorus (mg/kg), and extractable potassium (mg/kg) against each crop's known optimal growing range. Crops whose soil requirements closely match your soil conditions receive higher scores. The current planting season and 7-day weather forecast are also factored in — a crop that needs dry conditions scores lower if rain is forecast.

Can I use the crop finder if I am not on my farm?

Yes. Use the 'Select region' tab, choose your county and ward, then select 'I don't know yet'. The crop finder runs on satellite soil data for your ward — you don't need to be physically present.

Is the crop ranking different for each county?

Yes, significantly. Narok and Nakuru soils (slightly acidic, medium-high nitrogen) rank wheat and potato very highly. Machakos and Kitui soils (low pH, low phosphorus) rank sorghum, cowpeas, and green grams higher. Kisii soils (very acidic, high rainfall) rank tea and avocado highly but may flag maize as needing lime first.

Does the crop finder show income estimates?

Yes. Each crop in the ranked list shows an estimated gross income per acre, calculated from the crop's average yield for your soil conditions multiplied by the current local market price. This helps you compare not just agronomic suitability but also economic return.

What if I want to try a crop that scored low?

You can still get a fertilizer plan for any crop regardless of its suitability score. A low score tells you the soil needs amendment — the plan will tell you exactly what to add (lime, DAP, phosphorus) to bring conditions closer to optimal before planting.

Not sure what to plant? ShambaIQ ranks all 40+ crops for your soil

Select your county — or drop a GPS pin on your exact farm — and ShambaIQ's AI scores every crop in its database against your soil chemistry, current season, and 7-day weather forecast. Results are ranked by suitability and income potential.

In the tool, choose "I don't know yet — show me what fits my soil" instead of picking a specific crop. Works in all 47 counties, free.

Find the best crop for my farm →

How the crop finder works — 4 steps

Select your location

County and ward, or GPS pin. ShambaIQ loads 30m satellite soil data for your exact area.

Choose 'I don't know yet'

In the crop selector, pick the last option: 'I don't know yet — show me what fits my soil'. This activates crop-finder mode.

See your ranked crop list

All 40+ crops are scored and sorted by suitability. Each card shows the match score, estimated yield, and gross income per acre at current prices.

Pick a crop and get your plan

Tap any crop to instantly load the full fertilizer recommendation for that crop on your land — no need to start over.

What factors go into the crop score?

Soil pH

Each crop has an optimal pH range. Maize prefers 5.5–7.0; potato 4.8–5.5; wheat 6.0–7.0. Your soil's measured pH is scored against each crop's range.

Nitrogen (N)

Heavy feeders like maize and wheat score lower if soil nitrogen is insufficient. Legumes score higher because they fix their own nitrogen.

Phosphorus (P)

Root development and grain fill depend on phosphorus. Crops with high P needs (potato, tomato) score lower on P-deficient soils.

Potassium (K)

Potassium affects disease resistance and stem strength. Crops like banana and potato need high K; cereals need moderate levels.

Planting season

Crops are matched to the current calendar season. A crop not suited to the current long or short rains window receives a season penalty.

7-day weather forecast

Current rainfall and temperature forecast adjusts scores. A dry week ahead boosts drought-tolerant crop scores; heavy rain boosts water-loving crops.

Top-ranked crops by county — examples

Trans-Nzoia County

pH 5.8–6.2, high nitrogen, medium phosphorus

#1 Maize#2 Wheat#3 Potato

Machakos County

pH 5.2–5.8, low nitrogen, low phosphorus, annual rainfall 600mm

#1 Sorghum#2 Cowpeas#3 Green Grams

Kisii County

pH 4.8–5.5, very acidic — lime recommended for cereals

#1 Maize#2 Avocado#3 Tea

Laikipia County

pH 6.0–6.8, medium nitrogen, low rainfall — drought-tolerant varieties ranked highest

#1 Wheat#2 Sunflower#3 Maize

Rankings vary by season and weather. Run the crop finder for your exact location to get current results.

Frequently asked questions

How does ShambaIQ decide which crop is best?

It compares your soil's pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium against each crop's optimal growing range, then adjusts for planting season and current weather. Crops are ranked by how closely conditions match.

How many crops are compared?

Over 40 crops: cereals, legumes, vegetables, root crops, fruits, fodder, and cash crops. Every crop in the database is scored — not just a pre-selected shortlist.

Does the ranking change by season?

Yes. Crops unsuited to the current long or short rains season receive a penalty. Run the tool at the start of each season to get the most relevant rankings.

What if I want to grow a crop that scored low?

You can still get a fertilizer plan for it. The plan will show what soil amendment (lime, DAP, extra phosphorus) is needed to bring your soil into the crop's optimal range.

Best county for each crop →Find crops for my soil →