Growing Wheat in Bungoma
Soil suitability analysis based on Bungoma's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Bungoma is poorly suited to Wheat. Bungoma's soil (pH 5.56, slightly acidic) gives Wheat a suitability score of 36/100. Match fertilizer to Bungoma's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Bungoma County is a challenging environment for Wheat (soil-match score 36/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.56 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Wheat'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 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 Wheat, which favours clay. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Wheat is the #101 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Bungoma County. Wheat's full potential is about 2,000 kg/acre (~KES 100,000/acre at KES 50/kg), but at Bungoma's 36/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 900 kg/acre (~KES 45,000/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 | Wheat 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 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 161 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 450–950 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 1,800–3,000 m | Low |
Planting calendar for Bungoma
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Bungoma's nitrogen (1.12 g/kg) is 93% of the 1.2 g/kg Wheat needs, so the standard 1 bag/acre is raised to 1.25. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Bungoma's 1,500 m altitude and 1,400 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag