Growing Grapes in Bungoma
Soil suitability analysis based on Bungoma's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Bungoma is moderately suited to Grapes. Bungoma's soil (pH 5.56, slightly acidic) gives Grapes a suitability score of 55/100. Match fertilizer to Bungoma's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Grapes can be grown in Bungoma County, but the soil scores 55/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.56 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Grapes's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 1.12 g/kg, P 15.7 mg/kg, K 161 mg/kg against this crop's medium/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Grapes, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Grapes is the #75 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Bungoma County. Grapes's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 1,200,000/acre at KES 150/kg), but at Bungoma's 55/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 5,500 kg/acre (~KES 825,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Bungoma's soil: Macadamia, Avocado, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Bungoma soil | Grapes needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.56 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.12 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 15.7 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 161 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 500–1,000 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–1,800 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Bungoma
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Top dressing guide
Bungoma's nitrogen (1.12 g/kg) already meets Grapes's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag