Growing Barley in Kericho

Soil suitability analysis based on Kericho's nutrient profile

Barley can be grown in Kericho County, but the soil scores 50/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.94 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Barley's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.34 g/kg), phosphorus (23.7 mg/kg) and potassium (225 mg/kg) all meet Barley's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Barley prefers loam soils, while Kericho is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At current prices (about KES 42/kg) and a typical 1,100 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Barley crop here can gross roughly KES 46,200 per acre.