Growing Maize in Isiolo

Soil suitability analysis based on Isiolo's nutrient profile

Isiolo County is a challenging environment for Maize (soil-match score 26/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.83 the soil sits above Maize's preferred 5.5–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.46 g/kg, P 37.4 mg/kg, K 395 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Maize prefers loam soils, while Isiolo is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Isiolo receives approximately 350 mm/year — well below Maize's minimum of 500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Maize is the #43 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Isiolo County. Maize's full potential is about 1,800 kg/acre (~KES 81,000/acre at KES 45/kg), but at Isiolo's 26/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 585 kg/acre (~KES 26,325/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Isiolo's soil: Sisal, Aloe Vera, and Green Grams — each scores higher on the same soil.