Growing Quinoa in Bungoma
Soil suitability analysis based on Bungoma's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Bungoma is only marginally suited to Quinoa. Bungoma's soil (pH 5.56, slightly acidic) gives Quinoa a suitability score of 40/100. Match fertilizer to Bungoma's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Quinoa is the #97 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Bungoma County. 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.
Better matched to Bungoma's soil: Macadamia, Avocado, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Bungoma soil | Quinoa needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.56 | 6–8.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.12 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 15.7 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 161 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 300–800 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 1,500–3,000 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 Quinoa's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag