Growing Maize in Kiambu
Soil suitability analysis based on Kiambu's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kiambu is moderately suited to Maize. Kiambu's soil (pH 5.28, strongly acidic) gives Maize a suitability score of 71/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Kiambu County is a solid choice for Maize, with a soil-match score of 71/100. At an average pH of 5.28 the soil is moderately acidic, below Maize's preferred 5.5–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen and phosphorus — measured at N 1.01 g/kg, P 13.7 mg/kg, K 169 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Maize prefers loam soils, while Kiambu is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Maize is the #32 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kiambu County. Maize's full potential is about 1,800 kg/acre (~KES 81,000/acre at KES 45/kg), but at Kiambu's 71/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,598 kg/acre (~KES 71,910/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kiambu soil | Maize needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.28 | 5.5–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.01 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 13.7 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 169 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,100 mm | 500–1,600 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 0–2,500 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Kiambu
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Kiambu's nitrogen (1.01 g/kg) is 84% of the 1.2 g/kg Maize needs, so the standard 1 bag/acre is raised to 1.25. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Seed varieties for Kiambu
18 maize varieties are rated for Kiambu's altitude (1,700 m) and rainfall (1,100 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag