Growing Quinoa in Kericho

Soil suitability analysis based on Kericho's nutrient profile

Kericho County is a challenging environment for Quinoa (soil-match score 36/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.94 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Quinoa's preferred 6–8.5 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 Quinoa's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Quinoa prefers loam soils, while Kericho is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Quinoa's full potential is about 700 kg/acre (~KES 105,000/acre at KES 150/kg), but at Kericho's 36/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 315 kg/acre (~KES 47,250/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.