Growing Chia in Migori

Soil suitability analysis based on Migori's nutrient profile

Migori County is a challenging environment for Chia (soil-match score 41/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.43 the soil is moderately acidic, below Chia's preferred 6–8 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.2 g/kg), phosphorus (12.2 mg/kg) and potassium (169 mg/kg) all meet Chia's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Chia prefers sandy loam soils, while Migori is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Chia's full potential is about 400 kg/acre (~KES 60,000/acre at KES 150/kg), but at Migori's 41/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 205 kg/acre (~KES 30,750/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

41Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorMigori soilChia needsStatus
pH5.4368Adjust
Nitrogen1.2 g/kgmin 0.5 g/kgOK
Phosphorus12.2 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium169 mg/kgmin 100 mg/kgOK
Rainfall1,400 mm300–800 mmHigh
Altitude1,300 m1,000–2,200 mOK

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Land Prep & Sowing
Month 2
Thinning & Top Dressing
Month 3
Flowering & Harvest

Short Rains

Month 1
Land Prep & Sowing
Month 2
Thinning & Top Dressing
Month 3
Flowering & Harvest

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 4
Instruction
Light feeder — a small top-dress at branching. Excess nitrogen causes lodging.
Bags per Acre
0.2

Economics

Market priceKES 150/kg
Expected yield in Migori205 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 30,750/acre
Adjusted for Migori's 41/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Chia can reach 400 kg/acre (~KES 60,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureSandy Loam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag