Growing Quinoa in Siaya
Soil suitability analysis based on Siaya's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Siaya is poorly suited to Quinoa. Siaya's soil (pH 5.33, strongly acidic) gives Quinoa a suitability score of 29/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Quinoa is the #100 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Siaya County. 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.
Better matched to Siaya's soil: Macadamia, Pineapple, and Avocado — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Siaya soil | Quinoa needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.33 | 6–8.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.2 g/kg | min 0.8 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 | 300–800 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 1,500–3,000 m | Low |
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 Quinoa's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag