Growing Sweet Corn in Homa Bay
Soil suitability analysis based on Homa Bay's nutrient profile
Homa Bay County is a solid choice for Sweet Corn, with a soil-match score of 68/100. At an average pH of 5.27 the soil is moderately acidic, below Sweet Corn's preferred 5.8–7 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 Sweet Corn, which favours loam. Sweet Corn's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 320,000/acre at KES 40/kg), but at Homa Bay's 68/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 6,800 kg/acre (~KES 272,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Homa Bay soil | Sweet Corn needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.27 | 5.8–7 | 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 | 500–1,200 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 0–2,200 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Top dressing guide
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag