Growing Stevia in Siaya

Soil suitability analysis based on Siaya's nutrient profile

Siaya County is a solid choice for Stevia, with a soil-match score of 66/100. At an average pH of 5.33 the soil is moderately acidic, below Stevia's preferred 6–7.5 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 high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Stevia, which favours loam. Stevia's full potential is about 3,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre at KES 200/kg), but at Siaya's 66/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,475 kg/acre (~KES 495,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.