Growing Oilseed Rape (Canola) in Bungoma
Soil suitability analysis based on Bungoma's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Bungoma is only marginally suited to Oilseed Rape (Canola). Bungoma's soil (pH 5.56, slightly acidic) gives Oilseed Rape (Canola) a suitability score of 51/100. Match fertilizer to Bungoma's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Oilseed Rape (Canola) can be grown in Bungoma County, but the soil scores 51/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.56 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Oilseed Rape (Canola)'s preferred 5.8–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen and phosphorus — measured at N 1.12 g/kg, P 15.7 mg/kg, K 161 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 Oilseed Rape (Canola), which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Oilseed Rape (Canola) is the #80 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Bungoma County. Oilseed Rape (Canola)'s full potential is about 1,000 kg/acre (~KES 60,000/acre at KES 60/kg), but at Bungoma's 51/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 638 kg/acre (~KES 38,280/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Bungoma's soil: Macadamia, Avocado, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Bungoma soil | Oilseed Rape (Canola) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.56 | 5.8–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.12 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 15.7 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 161 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 400–900 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 1,500–2,800 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Bungoma
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Top dressing guide
Bungoma's nitrogen (1.12 g/kg) is 93% of the 1.2 g/kg Oilseed Rape (Canola) needs, so the standard 0.5 bags/acre is raised to 0.75. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag