Growing Maize in Nandi
Soil suitability analysis based on Nandi's nutrient profile
Yes — Nandi is well suited to Maize. Nandi's soil (pH 6.17, slightly acidic) gives Maize a suitability score of 93/100. Match fertilizer to Nandi's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Nandi County is well suited to Maize, scoring 93/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 6.17 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–7 band Maize prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.37 g/kg), phosphorus (26.4 mg/kg) and potassium (207 mg/kg) all meet Maize's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Maize, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Maize is the #2 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nandi 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.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nandi soil | Maize needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.17 | 5.5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.37 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 26.4 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 207 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 500–1,600 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,900 m | 0–2,500 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Nandi
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Nandi's nitrogen (1.37 g/kg) already meets Maize's 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Nandi
18 maize varieties are rated for Nandi's altitude (1,900 m) and rainfall (1,400 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag