Growing Maize in Kwale
Soil suitability analysis based on Kwale's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kwale is moderately suited to Maize. Kwale's soil (pH 6.76, near-neutral) gives Maize a suitability score of 74/100. Match fertilizer to Kwale's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kwale County is a solid choice for Maize, with a soil-match score of 74/100. Local soils average pH 6.76 — neutral and inside the 5.5–7 band Maize prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 0.93 g/kg, P 9.8 mg/kg, K 131 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Maize, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Maize is the #51 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kwale County. At current prices (about KES 45/kg) and a typical 1,800 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Maize crop here can gross roughly KES 81,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kwale soil | Maize needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.76 | 5.5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.93 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 9.8 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 131 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 500–1,600 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 200 m | 0–2,500 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Kwale
Long Rains· April–JuneMain season here
Short Rains· November–January
Dry Season· February–April
Top dressing guide
Kwale's nitrogen (0.93 g/kg) is 78% 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 Kwale
9 maize varieties are rated for Kwale's altitude (200 m) and rainfall (900 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag