Growing Barley in Vihiga

Soil suitability analysis based on Vihiga's nutrient profile

Vihiga County is a challenging environment for Barley (soil-match score 31/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.62 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. The main gap is phosphorus — measured at N 1.02 g/kg, P 14.8 mg/kg, K 164 mg/kg against this crop's medium/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. 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.