Growing Chilies in Migori

Soil suitability analysis based on Migori's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Yes, with the right inputs — Migori is moderately suited to Chilies. Migori's soil (pH 5.43, strongly acidic) gives Chilies a suitability score of 55/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.

Chilies can be grown in Migori County, but the soil scores 55/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.43 the soil is moderately acidic, below Chilies's preferred 6–7.5 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 Chilies's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Chilies prefers sandy loam soils, while Migori is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Chilies's full potential is about 2,500 kg/acre (~KES 412,500/acre at KES 165/kg), but at Migori's 55/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,719 kg/acre (~KES 283,635/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

55Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorMigori soilChilies needsStatus
pH5.4367.5Adjust
Nitrogen1.2 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgOK
Phosphorus12.2 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium169 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK
Rainfall1,400 mm500–1,200 mmHigh
Altitude1,300 m0–1,200 mHigh

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 3-4 after transplanting
Instruction
Apply when plants are established. Chilies respond well to split nitrogen applications.
Bags per Acre
0.5

Recommended seed varieties

Pilipili KichaaDryland/Medium
Local/KALRO · 90-120 days · 1000–1500 kg/acre
Very pungent; high market demand; drought tolerant.
Cayenne LongMedium
Simlaw Seeds · 80-100 days · 1250–1750 kg/acre
High yield; good for drying and fresh market.

Economics

Market priceKES 165/kg
Expected yield in Migori1,719 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 283,635/acre
Adjusted for Migori's 55/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Chilies can reach 2,500 kg/acre (~KES 412,500/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