Growing Lettuce in Siaya
Soil suitability analysis based on Siaya's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Siaya is moderately suited to Lettuce. Siaya's soil (pH 5.33, strongly acidic) gives Lettuce a suitability score of 71/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Siaya County is a solid choice for Lettuce, with a soil-match score of 71/100. At an average pH of 5.33 the soil is moderately acidic, below Lettuce's preferred 6–7 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/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Lettuce, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Lettuce is the #36 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Siaya County. Lettuce's full potential is about 7,000 kg/acre (~KES 350,000/acre at KES 50/kg), but at Siaya's 71/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 6,213 kg/acre (~KES 310,650/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Siaya soil | Lettuce needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.33 | 6–7 | 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 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 600–1,200 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 800–2,500 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 Lettuce's 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag