Growing Sweet Corn in Embu
Soil suitability analysis based on Embu's nutrient profile
Embu County is a solid choice for Sweet Corn, with a soil-match score of 61/100. At an average pH of 5.1 the soil is moderately acidic, 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 1.04 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 Sweet Corn, which favours loam. Sweet Corn's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 320,000/acre at KES 40/kg), but at Embu's 61/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 6,100 kg/acre (~KES 244,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Embu soil | Sweet Corn needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.1 | 5.8–7 | 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 | 500–1,200 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,400 m | 0–2,200 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Top dressing guide
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag