Growing Lemongrass in Homa Bay
Soil suitability analysis based on Homa Bay's nutrient profile
Homa Bay County is a solid choice for Lemongrass, with a soil-match score of 72/100. At an average pH of 5.27 the soil is moderately acidic, below Lemongrass's preferred 5.5–7.5 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. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Lemongrass, which favours loam. At current prices (about KES 60/kg) and a typical 8,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Lemongrass crop here can gross roughly KES 480,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Homa Bay soil | Lemongrass needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.27 | 5.5–7.5 | 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 | 700–1,800 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 0–2,000 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Top dressing guide
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag