Growing Maize in Machakos
Soil suitability analysis based on Machakos's nutrient profile
Yes — Machakos is well suited to Maize. Machakos's soil (pH 7.03, near-neutral) gives Maize a suitability score of 77/100. Match fertilizer to Machakos's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Machakos County is well suited to Maize, scoring 77/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. At an average pH of 7.03 the soil sits above Maize's preferred 5.5–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.82 g/kg, P 31.4 mg/kg, K 338 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Maize, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Maize is the #56 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Machakos 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 | Machakos soil | Maize needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.03 | 5.5–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.82 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 31.4 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 338 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 700 mm | 500–1,600 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,100 m | 0–2,500 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Machakos
Long Rains· March–May
Short Rains· October–DecemberMain season here
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Machakos's nitrogen (0.82 g/kg) is 68% 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 Machakos
9 maize varieties are rated for Machakos's altitude (1,100 m) and rainfall (700 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag