Growing Maize in Siaya
Soil suitability analysis based on Siaya's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Siaya is moderately suited to Maize. Siaya's soil (pH 5.33, strongly acidic) gives Maize 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 Maize, with a soil-match score of 71/100. At an average pH of 5.33 the soil is moderately acidic, below Maize'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/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Maize, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Maize is the #31 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Siaya County. Maize's full potential is about 1,800 kg/acre (~KES 81,000/acre at KES 45/kg), but at Siaya's 71/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,598 kg/acre (~KES 71,910/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Siaya soil | Maize 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 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 500–1,600 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 0–2,500 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Siaya
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· September–November
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Siaya's nitrogen (1.2 g/kg) already meets Maize's 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Siaya
Varieties suited to Siaya's 1,200 m altitude and 1,200 mm annual rainfall — 12 of 24 maize varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag