Growing Barley in Bomet
Soil suitability analysis based on Bomet's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Bomet is moderately suited to Barley. Bomet's soil (pH 6.02, slightly acidic) gives Barley a suitability score of 57/100. Match fertilizer to Bomet's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Barley can be grown in Bomet County, but the soil scores 57/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 6.02 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 6–7.5 band Barley prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.38 g/kg), phosphorus (23.6 mg/kg) and potassium (237 mg/kg) all meet Barley's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Barley, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Barley is the #72 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Bomet County. Barley's full potential is about 1,600 kg/acre (~KES 67,200/acre at KES 42/kg), but at Bomet's 57/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,140 kg/acre (~KES 47,880/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Bomet's soil: Wambugu Apples, Kale (Sukuma Wiki), and Garden Peas — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Bomet soil | Barley needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.02 | 6–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.38 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 23.6 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 237 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,500 mm | 500–1,000 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,900 m | 2,000–3,000 m | Low |
Planting calendar for Bomet
Long Rains· April–JuneMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Dry Season· February–April
Top dressing guide
Bomet's nitrogen (1.38 g/kg) already meets Barley's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Bomet
4 barley varieties are rated for Bomet's altitude (1,900 m) and rainfall (1,500 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag