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
Varieties suited to Embu's 1,400 m altitude and 1,300 mm annual rainfall — 11 of 24 maize varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag