Growing Lemon in Homa Bay

Soil suitability analysis based on Homa Bay's nutrient profile

Lemon can be grown in Homa Bay County, but the soil scores 59/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.27 the soil is moderately acidic, below Lemon'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 Lemon, which favours loam. Lemon's full potential is about 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 500,000/acre at KES 50/kg), but at Homa Bay's 59/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 7,375 kg/acre (~KES 368,750/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

59Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorHoma Bay soilLemon needsStatus
pH5.2767.5Adjust
Nitrogen1.05 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgLow
Phosphorus13.8 mg/kgmin 20 mg/kgLow
Potassium147 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgLow
Rainfall1,100 mm600–1,500 mmOK
Altitude1,200 m0–2,100 mOK

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Transplanting & Basal
Month 2
Pruning & Top Dressing
Month 3
Flowering & Fruit Set

Short Rains

Month 1
Transplanting & Basal
Month 2
Pruning & Top Dressing
Month 3
Fruit Development

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Three times per year
Instruction
Split citrus feeding across the year. Foliar zinc and manganese keep leaves healthy.
Bags per Acre
0.6

Economics

Market priceKES 50/kg
Expected yield in Homa Bay7,375 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 368,750/acre
Adjusted for Homa Bay's 59/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Lemon can reach 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 500,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag