Growing Quinoa in Bomet

Soil suitability analysis based on Bomet's nutrient profile

Bomet County is a challenging environment for Quinoa (soil-match score 42/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.02 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 6–8.5 band Quinoa prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.38 g/kg), phosphorus (23.6 mg/kg) and potassium (237 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. Quinoa's full potential is about 700 kg/acre (~KES 105,000/acre at KES 150/kg), but at Bomet's 42/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 368 kg/acre (~KES 55,200/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.