Growing Oilseed Rape (Canola) in Bomet
Soil suitability analysis based on Bomet's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Bomet is moderately suited to Oilseed Rape (Canola). Bomet's soil (pH 6.02, slightly acidic) gives Oilseed Rape (Canola) a suitability score of 57/100. Match fertilizer to Bomet's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Oilseed Rape (Canola) can be grown in Bomet County, but the soil scores 57/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 6.02 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.8–7.5 band Oilseed Rape (Canola) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.38 g/kg), phosphorus (23.6 mg/kg) and potassium (237 mg/kg) all meet Oilseed Rape (Canola)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Oilseed Rape (Canola), which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Oilseed Rape (Canola) is the #73 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Bomet County. Oilseed Rape (Canola)'s full potential is about 1,000 kg/acre (~KES 60,000/acre at KES 60/kg), but at Bomet's 57/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 713 kg/acre (~KES 42,780/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Bomet's soil: Wambugu Apples, Kale (Sukuma Wiki), and Garden Peas — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Bomet soil | Oilseed Rape (Canola) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.02 | 5.8–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.38 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 23.6 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 237 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,500 mm | 400–900 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,900 m | 1,500–2,800 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Bomet
Long Rains· April–JuneMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Top dressing guide
Bomet's nitrogen (1.38 g/kg) already meets Oilseed Rape (Canola)'s 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag