Growing Quinoa in Siaya

Soil suitability analysis based on Siaya's nutrient profile

Siaya County is a challenging environment for Quinoa (soil-match score 29/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.33 the soil is moderately acidic, below Quinoa's preferred 6–8.5 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 medium/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Quinoa, which favours loam. Quinoa's full potential is about 700 kg/acre (~KES 105,000/acre at KES 150/kg), but at Siaya's 29/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 254 kg/acre (~KES 38,100/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.