Growing Barley in Uasin Gishu
Soil suitability analysis based on Uasin Gishu's nutrient profile
Yes — Uasin Gishu is well suited to Barley. Uasin Gishu's soil (pH 6.39, slightly acidic) gives Barley a suitability score of 87/100. Match fertilizer to Uasin Gishu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Uasin Gishu County is well suited to Barley, scoring 87/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 6.39 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 6–7.5 band Barley prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.56 g/kg), phosphorus (25.3 mg/kg) and potassium (227 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 #41 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Uasin Gishu County. At current prices (about KES 42/kg) and a typical 1,600 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Barley crop here can gross roughly KES 67,200 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Uasin Gishu soil | Barley needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.39 | 6–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.56 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 25.3 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 227 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,100 mm | 500–1,000 mm | High |
| Altitude | 2,100 m | 2,000–3,000 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Uasin Gishu
Long Rains· April–JuneMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Dry Season· February–April
Top dressing guide
Uasin Gishu's nitrogen (1.56 g/kg) already meets Barley's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Uasin Gishu
4 barley varieties are rated for Uasin Gishu's altitude (2,100 m) and rainfall (1,100 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag