Growing Chilies in Homa Bay
Soil suitability analysis based on Homa Bay's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Homa Bay is moderately suited to Chilies. Homa Bay's soil (pH 5.27, strongly acidic) gives Chilies a suitability score of 67/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Homa Bay County is a solid choice for Chilies, with a soil-match score of 67/100. At an average pH of 5.27 the soil is moderately acidic, below Chilies's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 1.05 g/kg, P 13.8 mg/kg, K 147 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Chilies prefers sandy loam soils, while Homa Bay is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Chilies is the #44 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Homa Bay County. Chilies's full potential is about 2,500 kg/acre (~KES 412,500/acre at KES 165/kg), but at Homa Bay's 67/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,094 kg/acre (~KES 345,510/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Homa Bay soil | Chilies needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.27 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.05 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 13.8 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 147 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,100 mm | 500–1,200 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 0–1,200 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Homa Bay's nitrogen (1.05 g/kg) already meets Chilies's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Homa Bay
2 chilies varieties are rated for Homa Bay's altitude (1,200 m) and rainfall (1,100 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag