Growing Baby Corn in Siaya

Soil suitability analysis based on Siaya's nutrient profile

Siaya County is a solid choice for Baby Corn, with a soil-match score of 68/100. At an average pH of 5.33 the soil is moderately acidic, below Baby Corn's preferred 5.8–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 1.2 g/kg, P 12.1 mg/kg, K 134 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 Baby Corn, which favours loam. Baby Corn's full potential is about 4,000 kg/acre (~KES 320,000/acre at KES 80/kg), but at Siaya's 68/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,400 kg/acre (~KES 272,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

68Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorSiaya soilBaby Corn needsStatus
pH5.335.87Adjust
Nitrogen1.2 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgOK
Phosphorus12.1 mg/kgmin 20 mg/kgLow
Potassium134 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgLow
Rainfall1,200 mm500–1,200 mmOK
Altitude1,200 m0–2,100 mOK

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Land Prep & Planting & Basal
Month 2
Top Dressing
Month 3
De-tasseling & Harvest

Short Rains

Month 1
Land Prep & Planting & Basal
Month 2
Top Dressing
Month 3
De-tasseling & Harvest

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 4 at knee-high
Instruction
Top-dress once; harvest young before pollination for tender cobs.
Bags per Acre
0.4

Economics

Market priceKES 80/kg
Expected yield in Siaya3,400 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 272,000/acre
Adjusted for Siaya's 68/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Baby Corn can reach 4,000 kg/acre (~KES 320,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag