Growing Maize in Meru
Soil suitability analysis based on Meru's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Meru is moderately suited to Maize. Meru's soil (pH 4.88, strongly acidic) gives Maize a suitability score of 68/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Meru County is a solid choice for Maize, with a soil-match score of 68/100. At an average pH of 4.88 the soil is strongly acidic, below Maize's preferred 5.5–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.22 g/kg), phosphorus (20.3 mg/kg) and potassium (218 mg/kg) all meet Maize's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Maize, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Maize is the #24 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Meru County. Maize's full potential is about 1,800 kg/acre (~KES 81,000/acre at KES 45/kg), but at Meru's 68/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,530 kg/acre (~KES 68,850/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Meru soil | Maize needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.88 | 5.5–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.22 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 20.3 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 218 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 500–1,600 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–2,500 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Meru
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Meru's nitrogen (1.22 g/kg) already meets Maize's 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Meru
11 maize varieties are rated for Meru's altitude (1,500 m) and rainfall (1,400 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag