Growing Maize in Homa Bay
Soil suitability analysis based on Homa Bay's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Homa Bay is moderately suited to Maize. Homa Bay's soil (pH 5.27, strongly acidic) gives Maize a suitability score of 71/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Homa Bay County is a solid choice for Maize, with a soil-match score of 71/100. At an average pH of 5.27 the soil is moderately acidic, below Maize's preferred 5.5–7 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/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Maize, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Maize is the #28 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Homa Bay County. Maize's full potential is about 1,800 kg/acre (~KES 81,000/acre at KES 45/kg), but at Homa Bay's 71/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,598 kg/acre (~KES 71,910/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Homa Bay soil | Maize needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.27 | 5.5–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.05 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 13.8 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 147 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,100 mm | 500–1,600 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 0–2,500 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Homa Bay
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· September–November
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Homa Bay's nitrogen (1.05 g/kg) is 88% of the 1.2 g/kg Maize needs, so the standard 1 bag/acre is raised to 1.25. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Seed varieties for Homa Bay
12 maize 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