Growing Garlic in Bungoma
Soil suitability analysis based on Bungoma's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Bungoma is only marginally suited to Garlic. Bungoma's soil (pH 5.56, slightly acidic) gives Garlic a suitability score of 51/100. Match fertilizer to Bungoma's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Garlic can be grown in Bungoma County, but the soil scores 51/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.56 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Garlic's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen and potassium — measured at N 1.12 g/kg, P 15.7 mg/kg, K 161 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Garlic prefers sandy loam soils, while Bungoma is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Garlic's full potential is about 3,000 kg/acre (~KES 825,000/acre at KES 275/kg), but at Bungoma's 51/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,912 kg/acre (~KES 525,800/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Bungoma soil | Garlic needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.56 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.12 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 15.7 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 161 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 500–900 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–2,500 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag