Growing Sweet Corn in Bungoma
Soil suitability analysis based on Bungoma's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Bungoma is moderately suited to Sweet Corn. Bungoma's soil (pH 5.56, slightly acidic) gives Sweet Corn a suitability score of 70/100. Match fertilizer to Bungoma's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Bungoma County is a solid choice for Sweet Corn, with a soil-match score of 70/100. At an average pH of 5.56 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Sweet Corn's preferred 5.8–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen and phosphorus — measured at N 1.12 g/kg, P 15.7 mg/kg, K 161 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Sweet Corn, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sweet Corn is the #54 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Bungoma County. Sweet Corn's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 320,000/acre at KES 40/kg), but at Bungoma's 70/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 7,000 kg/acre (~KES 280,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Bungoma soil | Sweet Corn needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.56 | 5.8–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.12 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 15.7 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 161 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 500–1,200 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–2,200 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) is 93% of the 1.2 g/kg Sweet Corn needs, so the standard 0.5 bags/acre is raised to 0.75. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag