Growing Broccoli in Siaya
Soil suitability analysis based on Siaya's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Siaya is poorly suited to Broccoli. Siaya's soil (pH 5.33, strongly acidic) gives Broccoli a suitability score of 26/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Siaya County is a challenging environment for Broccoli (soil-match score 26/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.33 the soil is moderately acidic, below Broccoli'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 high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Broccoli, which favours loam. At 1200 m, the county sits below Broccoli's preferred altitude range (1800–2800 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Broccoli is the #101 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Siaya County. Broccoli's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 540,000/acre at KES 90/kg), but at Siaya's 26/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,950 kg/acre (~KES 175,500/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 | Broccoli needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.33 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.2 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 12.1 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 134 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 800–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 1,800–2,800 m | Low |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag