Growing Quinoa in Kiambu

Soil suitability analysis based on Kiambu's nutrient profile

Quinoa can be grown in Kiambu County, but the soil scores 49/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.28 the soil is moderately acidic, below Quinoa's preferred 6–8.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.01 g/kg), phosphorus (13.7 mg/kg) and potassium (169 mg/kg) all meet Quinoa's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Quinoa prefers loam soils, while Kiambu 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 Kiambu's 49/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 429 kg/acre (~KES 64,350/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.