Growing Broccoli in Homa Bay

Soil suitability analysis based on Homa Bay's nutrient profile

Homa Bay County is a challenging environment for Broccoli (soil-match score 26/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.27 the soil is moderately acidic, below Broccoli's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 1.05 g/kg, P 13.8 mg/kg, K 147 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Broccoli, which favours loam. At 1200 m, the county sits below Broccoli's preferred altitude range (1800–2800 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Broccoli is the #101 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Homa Bay County. Broccoli's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 540,000/acre at KES 90/kg), but at Homa Bay's 26/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,950 kg/acre (~KES 175,500/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.