Growing Potato in Siaya
Soil suitability analysis based on Siaya's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Siaya is only marginally suited to Potato. Siaya's soil (pH 5.33, strongly acidic) gives Potato a suitability score of 52/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Potato can be grown in Siaya County, but the soil scores 52/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 5.33 — moderately acidic and inside the 4.8–6.5 band Potato prefers, so no lime is usually required. 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. Potato 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, Potato is the #78 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Siaya County. Potato's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 304,000/acre at KES 38/kg), but at Siaya's 52/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 5,200 kg/acre (~KES 197,600/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 | Potato needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.33 | 4.8–6.5 | OK |
| 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 | 700–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 1,500–3,000 m | Low |
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 Potato's 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Siaya
6 potato varieties are rated for Siaya's altitude (1,200 m) and rainfall (1,200 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag