Growing Chia in Bungoma

Soil suitability analysis based on Bungoma's nutrient profile

Bungoma County is a challenging environment for Chia (soil-match score 43/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.56 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Chia's preferred 6–8 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.12 g/kg), phosphorus (15.7 mg/kg) and potassium (161 mg/kg) all meet Chia's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Chia prefers sandy loam soils, while Bungoma is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Chia's full potential is about 400 kg/acre (~KES 60,000/acre at KES 150/kg), but at Bungoma's 43/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 215 kg/acre (~KES 32,250/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.