Growing Barley in Kisumu

Soil suitability analysis based on Kisumu's nutrient profile

Kisumu County is a challenging environment for Barley (soil-match score 20/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.54 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Barley's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is phosphorus — measured at N 0.91 g/kg, P 12.5 mg/kg, K 166 mg/kg against this crop's medium/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Barley prefers loam soils, while Kisumu is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 1150 m, the county sits below Barley's preferred altitude range (2000–3000 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. At current prices (about KES 42/kg) and a typical 1,100 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Barley crop here can gross roughly KES 46,200 per acre.