Growing Barley in Nyamira
Soil suitability analysis based on Nyamira's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Nyamira is poorly suited to Barley. Nyamira's soil (pH 5.58, slightly acidic) gives Barley a suitability score of 33/100. Match fertilizer to Nyamira's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Nyamira County is a challenging environment for Barley (soil-match score 33/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.58 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Barley's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 0.84 g/kg, P 11.6 mg/kg, K 148 mg/kg against this crop's medium/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Barley, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Barley is the #98 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nyamira County. Barley's full potential is about 1,600 kg/acre (~KES 67,200/acre at KES 42/kg), but at Nyamira's 33/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 660 kg/acre (~KES 27,720/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Nyamira's soil: Sweet Potato, Soybeans, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nyamira soil | Barley needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.58 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.84 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 11.6 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 148 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,600 mm | 500–1,000 mm | High |
| 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