Growing Wheat in Siaya

Soil suitability analysis based on Siaya's nutrient profile

Siaya County is a challenging environment for Wheat (soil-match score 23/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.33 the soil is moderately acidic, below Wheat's preferred 6–7.5 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/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Wheat, which favours clay. At 1200 m, the county sits below Wheat's preferred altitude range (1800–3000 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. Wheat's full potential is about 2,000 kg/acre (~KES 100,000/acre at KES 50/kg), but at Siaya's 23/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 575 kg/acre (~KES 28,750/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.