Growing Barley in Trans Nzoia

Soil suitability analysis based on Trans Nzoia's nutrient profile

Trans Nzoia County is a solid choice for Barley, with a soil-match score of 67/100. At an average pH of 5.93 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Barley's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.68 g/kg), phosphorus (27.3 mg/kg) and potassium (213 mg/kg) all meet Barley's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Barley, which favours loam. At current prices (about KES 42/kg) and a typical 1,100 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Barley crop here can gross roughly KES 46,200 per acre.

67Suitability score

Soil match analysis

NutrientTrans Nzoia soilBarley needsStatus
pH5.9367.5Adjust
Nitrogen1.68 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgOK
Phosphorus27.3 mg/kgmin 20 mg/kgOK
Potassium213 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Drilling Sowing & Basal Fertilizer (DAP)
Month 2
Top Dressing (CAN) at tillering
Month 3
Heading & Pest Monitoring

Short Rains

Month 1
Sowing & Basal Fertilizer
Month 2
Top Dressing at tillering & Weed Control
Month 3
Harvesting & Drying

Dry Season

Month 1
Post-Harvest Threshing & Storage
Month 2
Land Resting & Ploughing
Month 3
Seed Selection & Soil pH Check

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 4-6 at tillering
Instruction
Apply CAN at early tillering, but keep nitrogen moderate — excess N raises grain protein and lowers malting quality
Bags per Acre
1

Recommended seed varieties

NguzoHighland
KALRO/EABL · 120-150 days · 18-24 bags/acre
Malting barley; high grain plumpness; low protein for brewing; EABL contract crop.
GraceHighland
KALRO · 120-145 days · 16-22 bags/acre
Malting variety; stem rust tolerant; suited to high altitude above 2000m.
KarneHighland
KALRO · 125-150 days · 17-23 bags/acre
Dual feed and malting; good lodging resistance; grown in Mau Narok and Timau.
SabiniHighland
KALRO · 120-150 days · 18-24 bags/acre
Malting barley; uniform germination; scald and net blotch tolerant.

Economics

Market priceKES 42/kg
Expected yield1,100 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 46,200/acre

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 2,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,500(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 2,500(5,600)
Urea
KES 2,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag