Growing Maize in Kisii
Soil suitability analysis based on Kisii's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kisii is moderately suited to Maize. Kisii's soil (pH 5.21, strongly acidic) gives Maize a suitability score of 69/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Kisii County is a solid choice for Maize, with a soil-match score of 69/100. At an average pH of 5.21 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 1.09 g/kg, P 13.1 mg/kg, K 151 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Maize, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Maize is the #26 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kisii County. Maize's full potential is about 1,800 kg/acre (~KES 81,000/acre at KES 45/kg), but at Kisii's 69/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,553 kg/acre (~KES 69,885/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kisii soil | Maize needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.21 | 5.5–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.09 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 13.1 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 151 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,500 mm | 500–1,600 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 0–2,500 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Kisii
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Kisii's nitrogen (1.09 g/kg) is 91% 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 Kisii
18 maize varieties are rated for Kisii's altitude (1,700 m) and rainfall (1,500 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag