Growing Green Grams in Siaya
Soil suitability analysis based on Siaya's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Siaya is only marginally suited to Green Grams. Siaya's soil (pH 5.33, strongly acidic) gives Green Grams a suitability score of 45/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Green Grams can be grown in Siaya County, but the soil scores 45/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.33 the soil is moderately acidic, below Green Grams's preferred 5.5–8 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.2 g/kg), phosphorus (12.1 mg/kg) and potassium (134 mg/kg) all meet Green Grams's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Green Grams prefers sandy loam soils, while Siaya is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Green Grams is the #91 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Siaya County. Green Grams's full potential is about 400 kg/acre (~KES 48,000/acre at KES 120/kg), but at Siaya's 45/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 225 kg/acre (~KES 27,000/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 | Green Grams needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.33 | 5.5–8 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.2 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 12.1 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 134 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 250–700 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 0–1,800 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Siaya's nitrogen reads 1.2 g/kg, but the rate stays at zero: Green Grams is not top-dressed, for the crop-specific reason above.
Seed varieties for Siaya
Varieties suited to Siaya's 1,200 m altitude and 1,200 mm annual rainfall — 2 of 2 green grams varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag