Growing Wheat in Vihiga

Soil suitability analysis based on Vihiga's nutrient profile

Vihiga County is a challenging environment for Wheat (soil-match score 34/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.62 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Wheat's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen and phosphorus — measured at N 1.02 g/kg, P 14.8 mg/kg, K 164 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Wheat, which favours clay. Wheat's full potential is about 2,000 kg/acre (~KES 100,000/acre at KES 50/kg), but at Vihiga's 34/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 850 kg/acre (~KES 42,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.