Growing Maize in Murang'a
Soil suitability analysis based on Murang'a's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Murang'a is moderately suited to Maize. Murang'a's soil (pH 5.03, strongly acidic) gives Maize a suitability score of 66/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Murang'a County is a solid choice for Maize, with a soil-match score of 66/100. At an average pH of 5.03 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 168 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Maize prefers loam soils, while Murang'a is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Maize is the #36 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Murang'a County. Maize's full potential is about 1,800 kg/acre (~KES 81,000/acre at KES 45/kg), but at Murang'a's 66/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,485 kg/acre (~KES 66,825/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Murang'a soil | Maize needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.03 | 5.5–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.2 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 12.2 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 168 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 500–1,600 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–2,500 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Murang'a
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Murang'a's nitrogen (1.2 g/kg) already meets Maize's 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Murang'a
11 maize varieties are rated for Murang'a's altitude (1,500 m) and rainfall (1,200 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag