Growing Wheat in Homa Bay

Soil suitability analysis based on Homa Bay's nutrient profile

Homa Bay County is a challenging environment for Wheat (soil-match score 25/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.27 the soil is moderately acidic, below Wheat'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/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Wheat, which favours clay. At 1200 m, the county sits below Wheat's preferred altitude range (1800–3000 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. Wheat's full potential is about 2,000 kg/acre (~KES 100,000/acre at KES 50/kg), but at Homa Bay's 25/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 625 kg/acre (~KES 31,250/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.