Growing Maize in Migori

Soil suitability analysis based on Migori's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Yes — Migori is well suited to Maize. Migori's soil (pH 5.43, strongly acidic) gives Maize a suitability score of 75/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.

Migori County is well suited to Maize, scoring 75/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. At an average pH of 5.43 the soil is moderately acidic, below Maize's preferred 5.5–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is phosphorus — measured at N 1.2 g/kg, P 12.2 mg/kg, K 169 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Maize, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Maize is the #27 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Migori 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.

75Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorMigori soilMaize needsStatus
pH5.435.5–7Adjust
Nitrogen1.2 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgOK
Phosphorus12.2 mg/kgmin 20 mg/kgLow
Potassium169 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK
Rainfall1,400 mm500–1,600 mmOK
Altitude1,300 m0–2,500 mOK

Planting calendar for Migori

Long Rains· March–MayMain season here

March
Sowing & Basal Fertilizer (DAP/NPK)
April
Top Dressing (CAN/Urea) & 1st Weeding
May
Crop Protection & Scouting

Short Rains· September–November

September
Fast Sowing & Basal Fertilizer
October
Top Dressing & Weeding
November
Fast Growth Scouting

Dry Season· January–March

January
Land Preparation & Manure
February
Soil Testing & Resting
March
Seed Selection & Storage

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 4–6 after germination
Instruction
When plant is knee-high broadcast between rows
Bags per acre in Migori
1

Migori's nitrogen (1.2 g/kg) already meets Maize's 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.

Seed varieties for Migori

11 maize varieties are rated for Migori's altitude (1,300 m) and rainfall (1,400 mm):

H513· Medium AltitudeH623· Medium/HighlandDH02· Dryland/MediumWH403· MediumWH507· Medium/HighlandUkamez-2· Dryland/MediumEmbu-537· Medium/HighlandKH500-48A· Dryland/MediumFAWTH2001· Medium/HighlandFAWTH2002· Medium/HighlandFAWTH2003· Medium/Highland
Full variety details — maturity, yield & breeder →

Economics

Market priceKES 45/kg
Expected yield in Migori1,688 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 75,960/acre
Adjusted for Migori's 75/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Maize can reach 1,800 kg/acre (~KES 81,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(5,700)
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