Growing Amaranth in Kakamega
Soil suitability analysis based on Kakamega's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kakamega is moderately suited to Amaranth. Kakamega's soil (pH 5.63, slightly acidic) gives Amaranth a suitability score of 67/100. Match fertilizer to Kakamega's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kakamega County is a solid choice for Amaranth, with a soil-match score of 67/100. Local soils average pH 5.63 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–7.5 band Amaranth prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen and potassium — measured at N 1.01 g/kg, P 14 mg/kg, K 147 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Amaranth, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Amaranth is the #36 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kakamega County. Amaranth's full potential is about 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 200,000/acre at KES 40/kg), but at Kakamega's 67/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,188 kg/acre (~KES 167,520/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kakamega soil | Amaranth needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.63 | 5.5–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.01 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 14 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 147 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,900 mm | 500–1,500 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–2,400 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Kakamega
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Kakamega's nitrogen (1.01 g/kg) is 84% of the 1.2 g/kg Amaranth needs, so the standard 1 bag/acre is raised to 1.25. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Seed varieties for Kakamega
7 amaranth varieties are rated for Kakamega's altitude (1,500 m) and rainfall (1,900 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag