Growing Sweet Corn in Wajir
Soil suitability analysis based on Wajir's nutrient profile
Wajir County is a challenging environment for Sweet Corn (soil-match score 7/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.4 the soil sits above Sweet Corn's preferred 5.8–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.52 g/kg, P 39.3 mg/kg, K 396 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Sweet Corn prefers loam soils, while Wajir is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Wajir receives approximately 200 mm/year — well below Sweet Corn's minimum of 500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Sweet Corn's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 320,000/acre at KES 40/kg), but at Wajir's 7/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 700 kg/acre (~KES 28,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Wajir soil | Sweet Corn needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 8.4 | 5.8–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.52 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 39.3 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 396 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 200 mm | 500–1,200 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 250 m | 0–2,200 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Top dressing guide
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag