Growing Maize in Nyandarua
Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile
Yes — Nyandarua is well suited to Maize. Nyandarua's soil (pH 5.38, strongly acidic) gives Maize a suitability score of 76/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Nyandarua County is well suited to Maize, scoring 76/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. At an average pH of 5.38 the soil is moderately acidic, below Maize's preferred 5.5–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is phosphorus — measured at N 1.28 g/kg, P 14 mg/kg, K 166 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Maize prefers loam soils, while Nyandarua is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Maize is the #15 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nyandarua 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 | Nyandarua soil | Maize needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.38 | 5.5–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.28 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 14 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 166 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,100 mm | 500–1,600 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 2,300 m | 0–2,500 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Nyandarua
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Nyandarua's nitrogen (1.28 g/kg) already meets Maize's 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Nyandarua
13 maize varieties are rated for Nyandarua's altitude (2,300 m) and rainfall (1,100 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag