Growing Sweet Corn in Meru
Soil suitability analysis based on Meru's nutrient profile
Meru County is a solid choice for Sweet Corn, with a soil-match score of 60/100. At an average pH of 4.88 the soil is strongly acidic, below Sweet Corn's preferred 5.8–7 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 Sweet Corn's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Sweet Corn, which favours loam. Sweet Corn's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 320,000/acre at KES 40/kg), but at Meru's 60/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 240,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Meru soil | Sweet Corn needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.88 | 5.8–7 | 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 | 500–1,200 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–2,200 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Top dressing guide
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag