Growing Maize in Lamu
Soil suitability analysis based on Lamu's nutrient profile
Yes — Lamu is well suited to Maize. Lamu's soil (pH 6.31, slightly acidic) gives Maize a suitability score of 75/100. Match fertilizer to Lamu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Lamu County is well suited to Maize, scoring 75/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 6.31 — slightly acidic to near-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 0.74 g/kg, P 9.6 mg/kg, K 117 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Maize prefers loam soils, while Lamu is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Maize is the #38 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Lamu 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 | Lamu soil | Maize needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.31 | 5.5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.74 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 9.6 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 117 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 600 mm | 500–1,600 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 10 m | 0–2,500 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Lamu
Long Rains· April–JuneMain season here
Short Rains· November–January
Dry Season· February–April
Top dressing guide
Lamu's nitrogen (0.74 g/kg) is 62% of the 1.2 g/kg Maize needs, so the standard 1 bag/acre is raised to 1.5. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Seed varieties for Lamu
9 maize varieties are rated for Lamu's altitude (10 m) and rainfall (600 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag