Growing Watermelon in Homa Bay

Soil suitability analysis based on Homa Bay's nutrient profile

Watermelon can be grown in Homa Bay County, but the soil scores 48/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.27 the soil is moderately acidic, below Watermelon'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. Watermelon prefers sandy soils, while Homa Bay is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At current prices (about KES 10/kg) and a typical 5,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Watermelon crop here can gross roughly KES 55,000 per acre.