Growing Chia in Samburu

Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile

Chia can be grown in Samburu County, but the soil scores 54/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 8.28 the soil sits above Chia's preferred 6–8 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.67 g/kg), phosphorus (42.1 mg/kg) and potassium (387 mg/kg) all meet Chia's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Chia, which favours sandy loam. Chia's full potential is about 400 kg/acre (~KES 60,000/acre at KES 150/kg), but at Samburu's 54/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 270 kg/acre (~KES 40,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.