Growing Sorghum in Siaya
Soil suitability analysis based on Siaya's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Siaya is only marginally suited to Sorghum. Siaya's soil (pH 5.33, strongly acidic) gives Sorghum a suitability score of 48/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Sorghum can be grown in Siaya County, but the soil scores 48/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 5.33 — moderately acidic and inside the 5–8 band Sorghum prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.2 g/kg), phosphorus (12.1 mg/kg) and potassium (134 mg/kg) all meet Sorghum's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Sorghum, which favours clay. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sorghum is the #85 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Siaya County. Sorghum's full potential is about 1,200 kg/acre (~KES 81,600/acre at KES 68/kg), but at Siaya's 48/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 720 kg/acre (~KES 48,960/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 | Sorghum needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.33 | 5–8 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.2 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 12.1 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 134 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 250–700 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 0–1,800 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 Sorghum's 0.5 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 — 1 of 2 sorghum varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag