JW, July 19, 2013
Information from collected literature for Kenya to be used for
crop modelling for Kenya
A. Crop calendar, TSUM, sowing date and growth duration
FAO crop calendars for Maize / Sorghum / Millet/ Wheat / Rice
Administrative areas
(agro-ecology)
Crop
Additio
nal
information
Planting
- onset
Planting
- end
Sowing
rate
(kg/ha)
Growth
duration
Harve Harve
sting - sting onset end
Nyanza province (Kisii),
Western province (Mt Elgon),
Eastern province (Embu, Meru)
Central province (Except
Kirinyaga), Rift valley province
(Nandi, Kericho,T/Nzoia,
W/pokot, Keiyo/Markwet)
(Lower Highland Zone 1
(LH1))
Idem (Lower Highland Zone 1
(LH1))
Idem (Lower Highland Zone 1
(LH1))
Idem (Lower Highland Zone 1
(LH1))
Nyanza province (Kisii),
Western province (Mt Elgon),
Eastern province (Meru),
Central province (Kiambu,
Nyeri), Rift valley province
(Nandi, Kericho,T/Nzoia,
W/pokot, Keiyo/Markwet,
Baringo,Nakuru, Narok)
(Lower Highland Zone 2
(LH2))
Idem (Lower Highland Zone 2
(LH2))
Idem (Lower Highland Zone 2
(LH2))
Idem (Lower Highland Zone 2
(LH2))
Idem (Lower Highland Zone 2
(LH2))
Eastern province (Meru),
Central province (Kiambu,
Nyeri, Nyandarua), Rift valley
province (Nandi, Kericho,
T/Nzoia, Uasin Gishu,
W/pokot, Keiyo/Markwet,
Baringo, Laikipia, Samburu,
Nakuru, Narok, Kajiado)
(Lower Highland Zone 3
(LH3))
Idem (Lower Highland Zone 3
(LH3))
Maize
First
season
28/02
31/03
25
180-270
days
01/09
20/12
Maize
Second
season
01/09
30/09
25
01/02
30/06
28/02
31/03
3
15/06
31/08
01/03
31/03
75-125
15/08
30/09
First
season
01/03
31/03
25
180-270
days
100-160
days
115-145
days
180-270
days
01/09
20/12
Second
season
First
season
Second
season
01/08
15/10
25
01/01
15/05
01/03
31/03
3
01/07
31/08
01/08
15/10
3
01/11
15/03
01/03
31/03
75-125
15/08
15/09
First
season
15/03
31/03
25
180-270
days
100-160
days
100-160
days
115-145
days
180-270
days
15/09
20/12
Second
01/10
31/10
25
180-270
01/05
30/06
Millet,
finger
Wheat,
common
Maize
Maize
Millet,
finger
Millet,
finger
Wheat,
common
Maize
Maize
1
Idem (Lower Highland Zone 3
(LH3))
Idem (Lower Highland Zone 3
(LH3))
Idem (Lower Highland Zone 3
(LH3))
Idem (Lower Highland Zone 3
(LH3))
Eastern province (Meru),
Central province (Nyeri,
Nyandarua), Rift valley
province (T/Nzoia, Uasin
Gishu, W/pokot, Samburu,
Nakuru, Narok) (Lower
Highland Zone 4 (LH4))
Idem (Lower Highland Zone 4
(LH4))
Idem (Lower Highland Zone 4
(LH4))
South Nyanza (Siaya), Western
province (Kakamega, Busia,
Bungoma) (Lower midland
zone 1 (LM1))
Idem (Lower midland zone 1
(LM1))
Idem (Lower midland zone 1
(LM1))
Idem (Lower midland zone 1
(LM1))
Idem (Lower midland zone 1
(LM1))
Idem (Lower midland zone 1
(LM1))
Nyanza province (Siaya,
Kisumu), Western province
(Kakamega, Busia, Bungoma),
Nandi, Narok (Lower midland
zone 2 (LM2))
Idem (Lower midland zone 2
(LM2))
Idem (Lower midland zone 2
(LM2))
Idem (Lower midland zone 2
(LM2))
Idem (Lower midland zone 2
(LM2))
Idem (Lower midland zone 2
(LM2))
Nyanza province (Siaya,
Kisumu), Western province
(Busia, Bungoma), Eastern
province (Embu, Meru,
Machakos), Central province
(Muranga, Kirinyaga) (Lower
midland zone 3 (LM3))
Idem (Lower midland zone 3
(LM3))
Idem (Lower midland zone 3
(LM3))
Idem (Lower midland zone 3
(LM3))
Idem (Lower midland zone 3
(LM3))
Idem (Lower midland zone 3
(LM3))
Idem (Lower midland zone 3
(LM3))
Millet,
finger
Millet,
finger
Wheat,
common
Wheat,
common
Maize
season
First
season
Second
season
First
season
Second
season
First
season
01/03
31/03
3
01/10
15/10
3
01/03
31/03
75-125
01/07
31/07
75-125
15/03
31/03
25
Wheat,
common
Wheat,
common
Maize
First
season
Second
season
First
season
01/04
30/04
75-125
01/08
31/10
75-125
15/03
15/04
25
Maize
Second
season
First
season
Second
season
First
season
Second
season
First
season
01/09
15/10
25
15/03
31/03
3
25/08
05/09
3
01/04
15/04
7-10
01/09
15/09
7-10
15/03
15/04
25
Second
season
01/08
15/10
25
15/02
28/02
3
01/04
15/04
5
First
season
Second
season
First
season
15/02
15/03
7-10
01/08
31/08
7-10
01/03
31/03
25
Second
season
15/10
31/10
25
01/03
31/03
3
01/04
31/03
5
01/10
31/10
5
01/01
31/12
80-100
15/03
31/03
7-10
Millet,
finger
Millet,
finger
Sorghum
Sorghum
Maize
Maize
Millet,
finger
Millet,
pearl
Sorghum
Sorghum
Maize
Maize
Millet,
finger
Millet,
pearl
Millet,
pearl
Rice
Sorghum
First
season
Second
season
First
season
2
days
100-160
days
100-160
days
115-145
days
115-145
days
180-270
days
01/07
31/08
01/01
15/03
01/08
15/09
01/11
20/12
15/09
20/12
115-145
days
115-145
days
110-150
days
01/09
30/09
01/12
15/03
01/08
15/09
110-150
days
75-110
days
75-110
days
90-120
days
90-120
days
110-150
days
01/01
15/03
01/06
30/07
15/11
15/01
15/07
15/08
15/12
15/01
01/08
15/09
110-150
days
75-110
days
70-90
days
90-115
days
85-115
days
110-150
days
01/12
15/03
01/05
15/07
01/07
31/07
01/07
31/07
15/11
15/01
01/08
31/08
110-150
days
75-110
days
70-90
days
70-90
days
120-160
days
85-115
days
01/02
31/03
31/05
31/07
15/06
15/07
15/01
31/01
01/01
31/12
01/07
15/08
Idem (Lower midland zone 3
(LM3))
Nyanza province (Siaya,
Kisumu), Western province
(Busia), Eastern province
(Embu, Meru, Machakos,
KItui), Central province
(Kiambu, Muranga, Kirinyaga),
Rift valley province (W/pokot,
Keiyo/Marakwet, Baringo,
Kajiado), Taita Taveta (Lower
midland zone 4 (LM4))
Idem (Lower midland zone 4
(LM4))
Idem (Lower midland zone 4
(LM4))
Idem (Lower midland zone 4
(LM4))
Idem (Lower midland zone 4
(LM4))
Idem (Lower midland zone 4
(LM4))
Idem (Lower midland zone 4
(LM4))
Eastern province (Embu, Meru,
Machakos, KItui), Rift valley
province (W/pokot,
Keiyo/Marakwet, Baringo,
Samburu, Kajiado), Taita
Taveta (Lower midland zone 5
(LM5))
Idem (Lower midland zone 5
(LM5))
Idem (Lower midland zone 5
(LM5))
Idem (Lower midland zone 5
(LM5))
Kwale (Lowerland zone 2 (L2)
/ Inner lowland (IL2))
Kwale (Lowerland zone 2 (L2)
/ Inner lowland (IL2))
Kwale (Lowerland zone 2 (L2)
/ Inner lowland (IL2))
Coast province (Kwale, Kilifi,
Tana River, Lamu) (Lowerland
zone 3 (L3))
Idem (Lowerland zone 3 (L3))
Second
season
First
season
01/10
31/10
7-10
01/03
31/03
25
Second
season
First
season
Second
season
01/10
31/10
25
01/04
31/03
5
01/10
31/10
5
01/01
31/12
80-100
First
season
Second
season
First
season
15/03
31/03
7-10
01/10
31/10
7-10
15/03
31/03
5
Second
season
First
season
Second
season
First
season
01/10
31/10
5
15/03
31/03
7-10
01/10
31/10
7-10
01/04
15/04
25
Millet,
finger
Sorghum
01/04
31/03
3
01/04
15/04
7-10
Maize
15/04
30/04
25
01/04
31/03
3
01/04
15/04
5
Idem (Lowerland zone 3 (L3))
Millet,
finger
Millet,
pearl
Rice
01/01
31/12
80-100
Idem (Lowerland zone 3 (L3))
Sorghum
01/04
15/04
7-10
Idem (Lowerland zone 3 (L3))
Sorghum
01/10
31/10
7-10
Coast province (Kwale, Kilifi,
Tana River, Lamu) (Lowerland
zone 4 (L4))
Idem (Lowerland zone 4 (L4))
Maize
15/03
15/04
25
01/04
31/03
3
15/03
31/03
5
01/10
31/10
5
Idem (Lowerland zone 4 (L4))
Millet,
finger
Millet,
pearl
Millet,
pearl
Rice
01/01
31/12
80-100
Idem (Lowerland zone 4 (L4))
Sorghum
15/03
31/03
7-10
Idem (Lowerland zone 3 (L3))
Idem (Lowerland zone 4 (L4))
Idem (Lowerland zone 4 (L4))
Sorghum
Maize
Maize
Millet,
pearl
Millet,
pearl
Rice
Sorghum
Sorghum
Millet,
pearl
Millet,
pearl
Sorghum
Sorghum
Maize
First
season
Second
season
First
season
Second
season
First
3
85-115
days
90-120
days
15/01
15/02
01/07
15/08
90-120
days
70-90
days
70-90
days
120-160
days
85-115
days
85-115
days
70-90
days
01/01
28/02
15/06
15/07
15/01
31/01
01/01
31/12
15/07
15/08
15/01
15/02
15/06
15/07
70-90
days
85-115
days
85-115
days
90-120
days
75-110
days
85-115
days
90-120
days
15/01
31/01
15/07
15/08
15/01
15/02
15/07
15/08
15/06
31/07
15/01
15/02
15/07
15/08
75-110
days
70-90
days
120-160
days
85-115
days
85-115
days
90-120
days
15/06
31/07
01/07
31/07
01/01
31/12
01/07
15/08
15/01
15/02
15/07
15/08
75-110
days
70-90
days
70-90
days
90-160
days
85-115
15/06
31/07
15/06
15/07
15/01
31/01
01/01
31/12
15/01
15/02
Idem (Lowerland zone 4 (L4))
Sorghum
Coast province, Kitui (IL5),
Lower Kitui (IL5), Lower Meru
(IL5) (Lowerland zone 5 (L5))
Coast province, Kitui (IL5),
Lower Kitui (IL5), Lower Meru
(IL5) (Lowerland zone 5 (L5))
Mountainous areas of Central
Kenya (Meru, Central
Province), Riftvalley (Nandi,
Kericho,T/Nzoia, UasinGishu,
W/Pokot, Keiyo/Marakwet,
Baringo, Nakuru) & Mt Elgon
area (Upper Highland Zone 2
(UH2))
Idem (Upper Highland Zone 2
(UH2))
Idem (Upper Highland Zone 2
(UH2))
Idem (Upper Highland Zone 2
(UH2))
Mountaneous areas of Meru,
Uasin Gishu, Nakuru & Nyeri
(Upper Highland Zone 3
(UH3))
Mountainous areas of Central
Kenya (Meru, Nyandarua,
Nyeri), Rift valley
(Kericho,T/Nzoia, UasinGishu,
W/Pokot, Keiyo/Marakwet,
Baringo, Laikipia, Nakuru) &
Mt Elgon area (Upper Highland
Zone 1 (UH 1))
Idem (Upper Highland Zone 1
(UH 1))
Idem (Upper Highland Zone 1
(UH 1))
Idem (Upper Highland Zone 1
(UH 1))
Nyanza province (Kisii,
Kisumu), Western province
(Kakamega, Mt Elgon), Eastern
province (Embu, Meru) Central
province (Kiambu, Nyeri,
Muranga, Nyandarua), Rift
valley province (Nandi,
Kericho) (Upper midland zone
1(UM1))
Idem (Upper midland zone
1(UM1))
Idem (Upper midland zone
1(UM1))
Idem (Upper midland zone
1(UM1))
Idem (Upper midland zone
1(UM1))
Idem (Upper midland zone
1(UM1))
Western province
(Bungoma/Mt. Elgon), Eastern
province (Embu, Meru,
Machakos), Central province
(Kiambu,Nyeri, Muranga,
Kirinyaga), Rift valley province
(Kericho, T/Nzoia) (Upper
midland zone 2 (UM2))
Idem (Upper midland zone 2
(UM2))
season
Second
season
01/10
31/10
7-10
Millet,
pearl
01/04
31/03
5
Sorghum
01/04
15/04
7-10
days
85-115
days
70-90
days
15/01
15/02
15/01
31/01
85-115
days
15/01
15/02
Maize
First
season
25/03
05/04
25
210-280
days
01/10
20/12
Maize
Second
season
First
season
Second
season
15/10
31/10
25
01/05
31/07
01/03
15/04
75-125
15/08
15/10
01/08
15/10
75-125
15/01
31/03
01/03
31/03
75-125
210-280
days
155-180
days
155-180
days
155-180
days
15/08
30/09
Wheat,
common
Wheat,
common
Wheat,
common
Maize
First
season
15/03
31/03
25
210-280
days
15/09
20/12
Maize
Second
season
First
season
Second
season
First
season
15/10
31/10
25
01/05
31/07
01/03
15/04
75-125
15/08
15/10
15/08
15/10
75-125
15/01
31/03
15/02
31/03
25
210-280
days
155-180
days
155-180
days
135-160
days
01/08
15/09
Second
season
First
season
Second
season
First
season
Second
season
First
season
01/08
15/10
25
15/12
31/03
01/03
31/03
3
15/06
31/07
15/08
15/10
3
15/11
15/02
15/03
31/03
7-10
01/09
30/09
01/10
31/10
7-10
01/03
15/04
15/03
15/04
25
135-160
days
90-120
days
90-120
days
160-180
days
160-180
days
135-160
days
01/08
30/09
Second
season
01/08
15/10
25
135-160
days
15/12
31/03
Wheat,
common
Wheat,
common
Maize
Maize
Millet,
finger
Millet,
finger
Sorghum
Sorghum
Maize
Maize
4
Idem (Upper midland zone 2
(UM2))
Idem (Upper midland zone 2
(UM2))
Idem (Upper midland zone 2
(UM2))
Idem (Upper midland zone 2
(UM2))
Western province
(Bungoma/Mt. Elgon), Eastern
province (Embu, Meru,
Machakos), Central province
(Kiambu,Nyeri, Muranga,
Kirinyaga), Rift valley province
(Kericho,
T/Nzoia,W/pokot,Baringo,Naku
ru, Kajiado), Taita Taveta
(Upper midland zone 3 (UM3))
Idem (Upper midland zone 3
(UM3))
Idem (Upper midland zone 3
(UM3))
Idem (Upper midland zone 3
(UM3))
Idem (Upper midland zone 3
(UM3))
Idem (Upper midland zone 3
(UM3))
Western province (Kakamega,
Bungoma), Eastern province
(Embu, Meru, Machakos,
Kitui), Central province
(Kiambu, Nyeri, Muranga,
Kirinyaga), Rift valley province
(Nandi, Kericho, T/Nzoia,
Uasin Gishu, W/pokot,
Keiyo/Marakwet, Baringo,
Nakuru, Narok, Kajiad (Upper
midland zone 4 (UM4))
Idem (Upper midland zone 4
(UM4))
Idem (Upper midland zone 4
(UM4))
Idem (Upper midland zone 4
(UM4))
Idem (Upper midland zone 4
(UM4))
Idem (Upper midland zone 4
(UM4))
Eastern province (Meru,
Machakos), Central province
(Kiambu), Rift valley province
(W/pokot, Baringo, Laikipia,
Samburu, Nakuru, Narok,
Kajiado) (Upper midland zone
5 (UM5))
Eastern province (Meru,
Machakos), Central province
(Kiambu), Rift valley province
(W/pokot, Baringo, Laikipia,
Samburu, Nakuru, Narok,
Kajiado) (Upper midland zone
5 (UM5))
Millet,
finger
Millet,
finger
Sorghum
Sorghum
Maize
Maize
Millet,
finger
Millet,
finger
Sorghum
Sorghum
Maize
Maize
Millet,
finger
Millet,
finger
Sorghum
Sorghum
Sorghum
Sorghum
First
season
Second
season
First
season
Second
season
First
season
01/03
31/03
3
01/10
15/10
3
15/03
31/03
7-10
01/10
31/10
7-10
01/03
31/03
25
Second
season
First
season
Second
season
First
season
Second
season
First
season
15/10
31/10
25
01/03
31/03
3
01/10
15/10
3
15/03
31/03
7-10
01/10
31/10
7-10
01/03
15/04
25
Second
season
First
season
Second
season
First
season
Second
season
First
season
15/10
21/10
25
01/03
31/03
3
01/10
15/10
3
15/03
31/03
7-10
01/10
31/10
7-10
15/03
31/03
7-10
Second
season
01/10
31/10
7-10
90-120
days
90-120
days
120-145
days
120-145
days
135-160
days
15/06
31/07
15/01
15/02
01/08
30/09
01/01
28/02
01/08
30/09
135-160
days
90-120
days
90-120
days
90-120
days
90-120
days
135-160
days
01/02
31/03
15/06
31/07
15/01
15/02
15/07
15/08
01/01
15/02
15/08
30/09
135-160
days
90-120
days
90-120
days
85-115
days
85-115
days
85-115
days
28/02
31/03
15/06
31/07
15/01
15/02
15/07
15/08
15/01
15/02
15/07
15/08
85-115
days
01/07
31/07
Crop calendar and management form for maize, sorghum, rice, wheat and millet in Kenya
as compiled by Ochieng Adimo
5
Locati
on
Crop
rotation
Crop
cycle
Water
regime
% area
under
rotation
Actual
sowing
date
Optimal sowing date
Cultivar
/Growth
duration
(d)
Plant
density
actual
Plant
density
optimal
Lodwar
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Maize
Maize
Maize
Maize
Maize
Maize
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
55
70
70
75
70
70
15-Mar
15-Mar
15-Mar
15-Mar
15-Mar
15-Mar
15-Mar
15-Mar
15-Mar
15-Mar
15-Mar
15-Mar
120
120
120
120
120
120
44444
44444
44444
44444
44444
44444
44444
44444
44444
44444
44444
44444
Single
Single
Single
Maize
Maize
Maize
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
80
60
90
15-Mar
15-Mar
15-Apr
15-Mar
15-Mar
15-Apr
120
120
130
44444
44444
53333
44444
53333
53333
Kisii
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Double
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15th April
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
130
180
180-240
180-240
180-240
180
53333
53333
53333
53333
53333
53333
53333
53333
53333
53333
53333
53333
Double
70
9th Sep
9th Sep
180
53333
53333
Kisumu
Double
70
15th April
15-Apr
130
53333
53333
Kisumu
Double
70
9th Sep
9th Sep
130
53333
53333
Kakame
ga
Kakame
ga
Eldoret
Double
60
15th April
15-Apr
130
53333
53333
60
9th Sep
9th Sep
130
53333
53333
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
RainfedLong
RainfedShort
RainfedLong
RainfedShort
RainfedLong
RainfedShort
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
80
70
80
80
70
70
Kisii
Maize
Maize
Maize
Maize
Maize
MaizeMaize
MaizeMaize
MaizeMaize
MaizeMaize
MaizeMaize
MaizeMaize
Maize
Maize
Maize
Millet
Millet
Millet
Millet
Millet
Millet
80
80
70
5
10
10
5
10
10
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Mar
15-Mar
15-Mar
15-Mar
15-Mar
15-Mar
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Mar
15-Mar
15-Mar
15-Mar
15-Mar
15-Mar
180-240
180-240
180-240
120
120
120
120
120
120
53333
53333
53333
250,000
250,000
250,000
250,000
250,000
250,000
53333
53333
53333
180,000
180,000
180,000
180,000
180,000
180,000
Single
Single
Single
Millet
Millet
Millet
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
10
10
5
15-Mar
15-Mar
15-Apr
15-Mar
15-Mar
15-Apr
120
120
130
250,000
250,000
250,000
180,000
180,000
180,000
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Millet
Millet
Millet
Millet
Millet
Millet
Millet
Millet
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
10
20
10
10
20
10
20
20
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
130
180
180-240
180-240
180-240
180
130
130
250,000
250,000
250,000
250,000
250,000
250,000
250,000
250,000
180,000
180,000
180,000
180,000
180,000
180,000
180,000
180,000
Single
Single
Millet
Millet
Rainfed
Rainfed
10
10
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
180-210
180-210
250,000
250,000
180,000
180,000
Marsabit
Wajir
Garissa
Lamu
Mombasa
Voi
Makindu
NairobiDagoreti
Narok
Embu
Meru
Nyeri
Kericho
Kitale
Nakuru
Lodwar
Marsabit
Wajir
Garissa
Lamu
Mombas
a
Voi
Makindu
NairobiDagoreti
Narok
Embu
Meru
Nyeri
Kericho
Kisii
Kisumu
Kakame
ga
Eldoret
Kitale
Double
6
Nakuru
Lodwar
Marsabit
Wajir
Garissa
Lamu
Mombasa
Voi
Makindu
NairobiDagoreti
Narok
Embu
Meru
Nyeri
Kericho
Kisii
Kisumu
Kakame
ga
Eldoret
Kitale
Nakuru
Garissa
Lamu
Mombasa
Voi
Embu
Nyeri
Kisumu
Kakame
ga
Narok
Meru
Kericho
Kakame
ga
Eldoret
Kitale
Nakuru
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Millet
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
20
40
20
20
20
20
20
15-Apr
15-Mar
15-Mar
15-Mar
15-Mar
15-Mar
15-Mar
15-Apr
15-Mar
15-Mar
15-Mar
15-Mar
15-Mar
15-Mar
180-210
90-100
90-100
90-100
90-100
90-100
90-100
250,000
120,000
120,000
120,000
120,000
120,000
120,000
180,000
120,000
120,000
120,000
120,000
120,000
120,000
Single
Single
Single
Sorghum
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
10
30
5
15-Mar
15-Mar
15-Apr
15-Mar
15-Mar
15-Apr
90-100
90-100
100
120,000
120,000
120,000
120,000
120,000
120,000
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Sorghum
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
10
10
10
10
10
20
10
20
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
100
180
180-240
180-240
180-240
100
90-100
90-100
120,000
120,000
120,000
120,000
120,000
120,000
120,000
120,000
120,000
120,000
120,000
120,000
120,000
120,000
120,000
120,000
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Sorghum
Rice
Rice
Rice
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
Irrigated
Irrigated
Irrigated
10
10
10
10
10
20
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
4-Oct
4-Oct
4-Oct
15-Apr
15-Apr
15-Apr
4-Oct
4-Oct
4-Oct
180-240
180-240
180-240
120
120
120
120,000
120,000
120,000
270,000
270,000
270,000
120,000
120,000
120,000
270,000
270,000
270,000
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Rice
Rice
Rice
Rice
Rice
Irrigated
Irrigated
Irrigated
Irrigated
Irrigated
20
20
20
30
20
4-Oct
4-Oct
4-Oct
4-Oct
4-Oct
4-Oct
4-Oct
4-Oct
4-Oct
4-Oct
120
180
180-240
130
130
270,000
270,000
270,000
270,000
270,000
270,000
270,000
270,000
270,000
270,000
Single
Single
Single
Single
Wheat
Wheat
Wheat
Wheat
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
90
80
20
20
9-Sep
9-Sep
9-Sep
9-Sep
9-Sep
9-Sep
9-Sep
9-Sep
120-145
120-145
120-145
120-145
250,000
250,000
250,000
250,000
300,000
300,000
300,000
300,000
Single
Single
Single
Wheat
Wheat
Wheat
Rainfed
Rainfed
Rainfed
90
80
90
9-Sep
9-Sep
9-Sep
9-Sep
9-Sep
9-Sep
120-145
120-145
120-145
250,000
250,000
250,000
300,000
300,000
300,000
Sorghum
Sorghum
Sorghum
Sorghum
Sorghum
Sorghum
Sorghum
Sorghum
Sorghum
Sorghum
Sorghum
Sorghum
Sorghum
Sorghum
Sorghum
Sorghum
Sorghum
From Atlas of sorghum. Production in Eastern and Southern Africa. USAID, 2006.
7
Information about maize from KARI (via Adimo)
Maize growing zones in Kenya and some varieties
Ecological zone and main
areas where found
cultivars
Average days to
physiological
maturity
Potential Yield
(tons/ha)
Highland zones with high
rainfall
Altitude: Trans Nzoia,
Areas:Uasin Gishu, Nakuru,
Kericho, Nandi, Bungoma,
Laikipia, Kisii, Narok and Tea
zones of Central and Eastern
parts of Kenya
H627
H6213
H626
PHB30G19
WH505
H6210
H629
H625
H614D
H9401
H628
H6212
180-240
150-180
180-240
180-240
270
180-240
180-240
180-240
180-270
180-240
180-240
150-180
10.0035
11.5596
8.4474
10.0035
9.5589
11.115
10.6704
7.5582
8.4474
10.6704
10.6704
11.3373
Intermediate zones
Altitude: 1500-2000m above
sea level
Areas: Baringo, Siaya,
Kisumu, Busia, Bungoma,
Kakamega, Nakuru, South
Nyanza, Taita-Taveta
Medium zone
Altitude:1200-1800m above
sea level
Areas:
H632
150-180
6.669
H623
135-180
6.2244
H624
135-180
7.1136
H625
150-180
6.669
H513
H515
PHB3253
PHB3254
WH403
SC DUMA43
CG 4141
CG 5222
Katumani
Composite B
120-150
120-180
90-120
120-150
135-165
105-120
120-150
120-150
110-120
4.446
5.7798
6.2244
4.446
7.1136
7.1136
4.0014
4.0014
6.0
8
The potential yields for these varieties are only indications of what can be achieved; however
farmers can attain these and even higher yields, if proper agronomic practices are followed.
Planting
The time of planting is the most critical factor in maize production. For high maize yields, planting
should be done at the onset of rainfall. This allows he germinating seed to benefit from the nitrogen
flux effect which occurs within the first rains. In areas where the duration of rainfall is short, dry
planting 1-2 weeks before the on-set of the rains is recommended. There is a drop of expected yields
by 1-2% every day planting is delayed. Different regions in Kenya have different recommended
times of planting as shown below:
Recommended Times of Land Preparation and Planting for Different Regions
Region/Zone
lowlands
(coastal regions)
Dryland/marginal low
rainfall
Medium altitude
(medium rainfall)
Highland/high rainfall.
Kitale and surrounding
areas
Ideal Time Ideal Time for
For land
Planting
Preparation
Jan- March April- May
Feb- March
Sept-Oct
Jan- March
Dec- Feb
Remarks
Before or at on-set of
rains
Before or at onset of
rains
On set of rains
Mid- March
Mid- Oct
March- early
April
March-Mid April On set of rains
..
Recommended Spacing and plant densities for Different zones
Ecozone
Spacing
Density(plants per ha)
Highland
75x25cm 1plant/hole (pure stand)
53,333
75x50 2plants/hole (intercropped)
53,333
75x30cm 1 plant/hole (pure stand)
44,444
75x60cm 2 plants/hole (intercropped)
44.444
90x30cm 1plant/hole (pure stand)
37,850
90x60 2plant/hole (intercropped)
37,850
Medium
Marginal
B. Yields and Total biomass in experiments
Maize
9
From Factors Influencing Maize Production and Productivity in the Central Kenya
Highlands by Amboga et al.
From Genotype by environment interactions and yield stability of stem borer resistant
maize hybrids in Kenya by Beyene et al., 2011
10
From Rotational effects of grain legumes on maize performance in the Rift valley
Highlands of Kenya by Cheruiyot et al., 2001
11
12
From Sesbania Tree Fallows on Phosphorus-Deficient Sites: Maize Yield and Financial
Benefit by Jama et al., 1998
13
14
From Crop response to different soil fertility management technologies in Mukanduini
focal area, Kirinyaga district, central Kenya by Kathuku et al.
15
From Effects of organic and mineral sources of nutrients on maize yields in three districts
of central Kenya by Kimani et al., 2010
16
From Phosphorus availability and maize response to organic and inorganic fertilizer inputs
in a short term study in western Kenya by Kwabiah et al., 2003
17
18
From Residual effect of Mucuna pruriens green manure application rate on maize (Zea
mays L.) grain yield by Maobe et al., 2010a
19
From Improving maize (Zea mays)yields in semiarid highlands of Kenya: agroforestry or
inorganic fertilizers? By Mathuva et al., 1998
20
From Effects of organic and mineral fertilizer inputs on maize yield and soil chemical
properties in a maize cropping system in Meru South District, Kenya by Mucheru et al.,
2007
From Alley cropping of maize with calliandra and leucaena in the subhumid highlands of
Kenya Part 1. Soil-fertility changes and maize yield by Mugendi et al., 1999
21
From Maize yields response to application of organic and inorganic input under on-station
and on-farm experiments in central Kenya by Mugwe et al., 2009
22
From Effect of plant biomass, manure and inorganic fertiliser on maize yield in the central
Highlands of Kenya by Mugwe et al., 2007
23
24
25
26
From Exploring socio-cological niches for legumes in western Kenya small holder farming
systems by Ojiem (PhD thesis), 2006
27
28
29
30
From The effect of push-pull management and different fertilization strategies on maize
crop yield in central Kenya by Njeru (MSC-theis), 2009
31
From Use of Organic and Inorganic Resources to Increase Maize Yields in some Kenyan
Infertile Soils: A Five-Year Experience by Okalebo et al.
32
33
From Fertilizer options for sustainable maize (Zea mays L.) production in the TransNzoia district of Kenya by Onyango, 2010
34
From Economic analysis of maize yield response to nitrogen and phosphorus in the subhumid zones of western Kenya by Shiluli et al., 2003
35
Note that columns in table above are partly shifted.
From A statistical analysis of the influence of Striga hermonthica on maize yields in
fertilizer trials in Southwestern Kenya by Smaling et al., 1991
36
From Smaling and Janssen, 1993
37
38
From Yield gaps, nutrient use efficiencies and response to fertilisers by maize across
heterogeneous smallholder farms of western Kenya by Tittonell et al., 2008
39
40
41
Millet
None
Sorghum
From Effect of Nitrogen and Phosphorus application on growth and yield of dual-purpose
sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench), E1291, in the Dry Highlands of Kenya by
Ashiono et al., 2005
42
From Yield and Yield Stability of Four Population Types of Grain Sorghum in a Semi-Arid
Area of Kenya by Hausmann et al., 2000
43
Cereal and other crops
From Effects of manure application on crop yield and soil chemical properties in a longterm field trial in semi-arid Kenya by Kihanda et al., 2007
44
C. Crop growth pattern over time, Harvest index, LAI and other detailed
crop info
Maize
From Effect of farmyard manure and inorganic fertilizers on maize production on Alfisols
and Ultisols in Kakamega, western Kenya by Achieng et al., 2010
45
46
From Effect of Mucuna green manure and inorganic fertilizer Urea Nitrogen sources and
application rates on harvest index of maize (Zea mays L.) by Maobe et al., 2010
47
48
Millet
None
Sorghum
None
49