Growing Chia in Lamu
Soil suitability analysis based on Lamu's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Lamu is poorly suited to Chia. Lamu's soil (pH 6.31, slightly acidic) gives Chia a suitability score of 0/100. Match fertilizer to Lamu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Lamu County is a challenging environment for Chia (soil-match score 0/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.31 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 6–8 band Chia prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is phosphorus — measured at N 0.74 g/kg, P 9.6 mg/kg, K 117 mg/kg against this crop's low/medium/low demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Chia, which favours sandy loam. At 10 m, the county sits below Chia's preferred altitude range (1000–2200 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Chia is the #104 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Lamu County. Chia's full potential is about 400 kg/acre (~KES 60,000/acre at KES 150/kg), but at Lamu's 0/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 0 kg/acre (~KES 0/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Lamu's soil: Sesame (Simsim), Sorghum, and Cowpeas — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Lamu soil | Chia needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.31 | 6–8 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.74 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 9.6 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 117 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 600 mm | 300–800 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 10 m | 1,000–2,200 m | Low |
Planting calendar for Lamu
Long Rains· April–JuneMain season here
Short Rains· November–January
Top dressing guide
Lamu's nitrogen (0.74 g/kg) already meets Chia's 0.5 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag