Growing Quinoa in Bungoma

Soil suitability analysis based on Bungoma's nutrient profile

Bungoma County is a challenging environment for Quinoa (soil-match score 40/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.56 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Quinoa's preferred 6–8.5 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 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 Bungoma's 40/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 350 kg/acre (~KES 52,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.