Growing Barley in Trans Nzoia
Soil suitability analysis based on Trans Nzoia's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Trans Nzoia is moderately suited to Barley. Trans Nzoia's soil (pH 5.93, slightly acidic) gives Barley a suitability score of 67/100. Match fertilizer to Trans Nzoia's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Barley is the #70 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Trans Nzoia County. Barley's full potential is about 1,600 kg/acre (~KES 67,200/acre at KES 42/kg), but at Trans Nzoia's 67/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,340 kg/acre (~KES 56,280/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Trans Nzoia soil | Barley needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.93 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.68 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 27.3 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 213 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 500–1,000 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,900 m | 2,000–3,000 m | Low |
Planting calendar for Trans Nzoia
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Trans Nzoia's nitrogen (1.68 g/kg) already meets Barley's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Trans Nzoia
Varieties suited to Trans Nzoia's 1,900 m altitude and 1,200 mm annual rainfall — 4 of 4 barley varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag