Growing Sorghum in Nyandarua
Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Nyandarua is poorly suited to Sorghum. Nyandarua's soil (pH 5.38, strongly acidic) gives Sorghum a suitability score of 33/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Nyandarua County is a challenging environment for Sorghum (soil-match score 33/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 5.38 — moderately acidic and inside the 5–8 band Sorghum prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.28 g/kg), phosphorus (14 mg/kg) and potassium (166 mg/kg) all meet Sorghum's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay soils suit Sorghum, which favours clay. At 2300 m, the county sits above Sorghum's preferred altitude ceiling of 1800 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sorghum is the #87 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nyandarua County. Sorghum's full potential is about 1,200 kg/acre (~KES 81,600/acre at KES 68/kg), but at Nyandarua's 33/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 495 kg/acre (~KES 33,660/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Nyandarua's soil: Tea, Pyrethrum, and Potato — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nyandarua soil | Sorghum needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.38 | 5–8 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.28 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 14 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 166 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,100 mm | 250–700 mm | High |
| Altitude | 2,300 m | 0–1,800 m | High |
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 Sorghum's 0.5 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Nyandarua's 2,300 m altitude and 1,100 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag