Growing Amaranth in Kisumu
Soil suitability analysis based on Kisumu's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kisumu is moderately suited to Amaranth. Kisumu's soil (pH 5.54, slightly acidic) gives Amaranth a suitability score of 74/100. Match fertilizer to Kisumu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kisumu County is a solid choice for Amaranth, with a soil-match score of 74/100. Local soils average pH 5.54 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–7.5 band Amaranth prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.91 g/kg, P 12.5 mg/kg, K 166 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Amaranth prefers loam soils, while Kisumu is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Amaranth is the #34 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kisumu County. At current prices (about KES 40/kg) and a typical 5,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Amaranth crop here can gross roughly KES 200,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kisumu soil | Amaranth needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.54 | 5.5–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.91 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 12.5 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 166 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 500–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,150 m | 0–2,400 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Kisumu
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· September–November
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Kisumu's nitrogen (0.91 g/kg) is 76% of the 1.2 g/kg Amaranth needs, so the standard 1 bag/acre is raised to 1.25. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Seed varieties for Kisumu
4 amaranth varieties are rated for Kisumu's altitude (1,150 m) and rainfall (1,200 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag