Growing Quinoa in Baringo

Soil suitability analysis based on Baringo's nutrient profile

Baringo County is a challenging environment for Quinoa (soil-match score 28/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.22 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 6–8.5 band Quinoa prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.32 g/kg), phosphorus (23.4 mg/kg) and potassium (212 mg/kg) all meet Quinoa's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Quinoa, which favours loam. At 900 m, the county sits below Quinoa's preferred altitude range (1500–3000 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. Quinoa's full potential is about 700 kg/acre (~KES 105,000/acre at KES 150/kg), but at Baringo's 28/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 245 kg/acre (~KES 36,750/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.