Growing Cucumber in Siaya
Soil suitability analysis based on Siaya's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Siaya is moderately suited to Cucumber. Siaya's soil (pH 5.33, strongly acidic) gives Cucumber a suitability score of 72/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Siaya County is a solid choice for Cucumber, with a soil-match score of 72/100. At an average pH of 5.33 the soil is moderately acidic, below Cucumber's preferred 5.8–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 1.2 g/kg, P 12.1 mg/kg, K 134 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Cucumber, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cucumber is the #29 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Siaya County. At current prices (about KES 40/kg) and a typical 12,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Cucumber crop here can gross roughly KES 480,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Siaya soil | Cucumber needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.33 | 5.8–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.2 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 12.1 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 134 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 500–1,200 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 0–2,000 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Siaya
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· September–November
Top dressing guide
Siaya's nitrogen (1.2 g/kg) already meets Cucumber's 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag