Growing Turmeric in Siaya
Soil suitability analysis based on Siaya's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Siaya is moderately suited to Turmeric. Siaya's soil (pH 5.33, strongly acidic) gives Turmeric a suitability score of 64/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Siaya County is a solid choice for Turmeric, with a soil-match score of 64/100. At an average pH of 5.33 the soil is moderately acidic, below Turmeric's preferred 5.5–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. 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. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Turmeric, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Turmeric is the #58 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Siaya County. Turmeric's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 480,000/acre at KES 80/kg), but at Siaya's 64/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,800 kg/acre (~KES 384,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Siaya soil | Turmeric needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.33 | 5.5–7.5 | Adjust |
| 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 | 1,000–2,000 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 0–1,500 m | OK |
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 Turmeric's 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag