Growing Eggplant in Siaya
Soil suitability analysis based on Siaya's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Siaya is moderately suited to Eggplant. Siaya's soil (pH 5.33, strongly acidic) gives Eggplant a suitability score of 70/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Siaya County is a solid choice for Eggplant, with a soil-match score of 70/100. At an average pH of 5.33 the soil is moderately acidic, below Eggplant's preferred 5.5–7 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/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Eggplant, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Eggplant is the #40 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Siaya County. Eggplant's full potential is about 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 500,000/acre at KES 50/kg), but at Siaya's 70/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 8,750 kg/acre (~KES 437,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Siaya soil | Eggplant needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.33 | 5.5–7 | 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 | 600–1,200 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 500–1,800 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag