Growing Maize in Tana River
Soil suitability analysis based on Tana River's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Tana River is only marginally suited to Maize. Tana River's soil (pH 6.4, slightly acidic) gives Maize a suitability score of 49/100. Match fertilizer to Tana River's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Maize can be grown in Tana River County, but the soil scores 49/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 6.4 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–7 band Maize prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 1.04 g/kg, P 8.5 mg/kg, K 108 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Maize prefers loam soils, while Tana River is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Maize is the #31 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Tana River County. Maize's full potential is about 1,800 kg/acre (~KES 81,000/acre at KES 45/kg), but at Tana River's 49/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,103 kg/acre (~KES 49,635/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Tana River's soil: Sorghum, Cowpeas, and Pigeon Peas — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Tana River soil | Maize needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.4 | 5.5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.04 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 8.5 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 108 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 400 mm | 500–1,600 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 200 m | 0–2,500 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Tana River
Long Rains· March–May
Short Rains· October–DecemberMain season here
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Tana River's nitrogen (1.04 g/kg) is 87% of the 1.2 g/kg Maize needs, so the standard 1 bag/acre is raised to 1.25. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Seed varieties for Tana River
9 maize varieties are rated for Tana River's altitude (200 m) and rainfall (400 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag