Growing Barley in Siaya
Soil suitability analysis based on Siaya's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Siaya is poorly suited to Barley. Siaya's soil (pH 5.33, strongly acidic) gives Barley a suitability score of 20/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Siaya County is a challenging environment for Barley (soil-match score 20/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.33 the soil is moderately acidic, below Barley's preferred 6–7.5 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 medium/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Barley, which favours loam. At 1200 m, the county sits below Barley's preferred altitude range (2000–3000 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Barley is the #104 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Siaya County. Barley's full potential is about 1,600 kg/acre (~KES 67,200/acre at KES 42/kg), but at Siaya's 20/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 400 kg/acre (~KES 16,800/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Siaya's soil: Macadamia, Pineapple, and Avocado — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Siaya soil | Barley needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.33 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.2 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 12.1 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 134 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 500–1,000 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 2,000–3,000 m | Low |
Planting calendar for Siaya
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· September–November
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Siaya's nitrogen (1.2 g/kg) already meets Barley's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Siaya's 1,200 m altitude and 1,200 mm rainfall, so all 4 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag