Growing Barley in Homa Bay

Soil suitability analysis based on Homa Bay's nutrient profile

Homa Bay County is a challenging environment for Barley (soil-match score 21/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.27 the soil is moderately acidic, below Barley's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 1.05 g/kg, P 13.8 mg/kg, K 147 mg/kg against this crop's medium/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Barley, which favours loam. At 1200 m, the county sits below Barley's preferred altitude range (2000–3000 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Barley is the #104 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Homa Bay County. Barley's full potential is about 1,600 kg/acre (~KES 67,200/acre at KES 42/kg), but at Homa Bay's 21/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 420 kg/acre (~KES 17,640/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Homa Bay's soil: Macadamia, Avocado, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.