Growing Maize in Embu
Soil suitability analysis based on Embu's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Embu is moderately suited to Maize. Embu's soil (pH 5.1, strongly acidic) gives Maize a suitability score of 67/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Embu County is a solid choice for Maize, with a soil-match score of 67/100. At an average pH of 5.1 the soil is moderately acidic, below Maize's preferred 5.5–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen and phosphorus — measured at N 1.04 g/kg, P 12.6 mg/kg, K 194 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 Maize, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Maize is the #30 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Embu County. Maize's full potential is about 1,800 kg/acre (~KES 81,000/acre at KES 45/kg), but at Embu's 67/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,508 kg/acre (~KES 67,860/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Embu soil | Maize needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.1 | 5.5–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.04 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 12.6 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 194 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,300 mm | 500–1,600 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,400 m | 0–2,500 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Embu
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Embu's nitrogen (1.04 g/kg) is 87% of the 1.2 g/kg Maize needs, so the standard 1 bag/acre is raised to 1.25. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Seed varieties for Embu
11 maize varieties are rated for Embu's altitude (1,400 m) and rainfall (1,300 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag