Growing Onion in Embu

Soil suitability analysis based on Embu's nutrient profile

Onion can be grown in Embu County, but the soil scores 52/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.1 the soil is moderately acidic, below Onion's preferred 6–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen and phosphorus — measured at N 1.04 g/kg, P 12.6 mg/kg, K 194 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 Onion, which favours sandy loam. At current prices (about KES 45/kg) and a typical 3,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Onion crop here can gross roughly KES 157,500 per acre.