Growing Maize in Nyamira
Soil suitability analysis based on Nyamira's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Nyamira is moderately suited to Maize. Nyamira's soil (pH 5.58, slightly acidic) gives Maize a suitability score of 73/100. Match fertilizer to Nyamira's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Nyamira County is a solid choice for Maize, with a soil-match score of 73/100. Local soils average pH 5.58 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–7 band Maize prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 0.84 g/kg, P 11.6 mg/kg, K 148 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Maize, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Maize is the #24 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nyamira 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 | Nyamira soil | Maize needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.58 | 5.5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.84 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 11.6 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 148 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,600 mm | 500–1,600 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 0–2,500 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Nyamira
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Nyamira's nitrogen (0.84 g/kg) is 70% of the 1.2 g/kg Maize needs, so the standard 1 bag/acre is raised to 1.25. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Seed varieties for Nyamira
18 maize varieties are rated for Nyamira's altitude (1,700 m) and rainfall (1,600 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag