Growing Chia in Nandi

Soil suitability analysis based on Nandi's nutrient profile

Chia can be grown in Nandi County, but the soil scores 52/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 6.17 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 6–8 band Chia prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.37 g/kg), phosphorus (26.4 mg/kg) and potassium (207 mg/kg) all meet Chia's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Chia prefers sandy loam soils, while Nandi 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 Nandi's 52/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 260 kg/acre (~KES 39,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.