Growing Barley in Nairobi
Soil suitability analysis based on Nairobi's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Nairobi is moderately suited to Barley. Nairobi's soil (pH 6.85, near-neutral) gives Barley a suitability score of 67/100. Match fertilizer to Nairobi's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Nairobi County is a solid choice for Barley, with a soil-match score of 67/100. Local soils average pH 6.85 — neutral and inside the 6–7.5 band Barley prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.1 g/kg), phosphorus (22.1 mg/kg) and potassium (236 mg/kg) all meet Barley's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Barley, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Barley is the #81 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nairobi County. Barley's full potential is about 1,600 kg/acre (~KES 67,200/acre at KES 42/kg), but at Nairobi's 67/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,340 kg/acre (~KES 56,280/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nairobi soil | Barley needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.85 | 6–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.1 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 22.1 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 236 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 500–1,000 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 2,000–3,000 m | Low |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag