Growing Dhania in Kakamega

Soil suitability analysis based on Kakamega's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Possible but challenging — Kakamega is only marginally suited to Dhania. Kakamega's soil (pH 5.63, slightly acidic) gives Dhania a suitability score of 42/100. Match fertilizer to Kakamega's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.

Kakamega County is a challenging environment for Dhania (soil-match score 42/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.63 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Dhania's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.01 g/kg), phosphorus (14 mg/kg) and potassium (147 mg/kg) all meet Dhania's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Dhania, which favours loam. Dhania's full potential is about 1,500 kg/acre (~KES 112,500/acre at KES 75/kg), but at Kakamega's 42/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 788 kg/acre (~KES 59,100/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

42Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorKakamega soilDhania needsStatus
pH5.6367.5Adjust
Nitrogen1.01 g/kgmin 0.5 g/kgOK
Phosphorus14 mg/kgmin 6 mg/kgOK
Potassium147 mg/kgmin 100 mg/kgOK
Rainfall1,900 mm500–1,000 mmHigh
Altitude1,500 m0–2,500 mOK

Top dressing guide

Product
None
Timing
None required
Instruction
Short season crop. No top dressing needed if basal DAP was applied at planting.
Bags per Acre
0

Recommended seed varieties

Desi CorianderMedium/Highland
Local/KALRO · 45-60 days · 10-15 bags/acre
Fast maturing; aromatic; popular in fresh and dried form.

Economics

Market priceKES 75/kg
Expected yield in Kakamega788 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 59,100/acre
Adjusted for Kakamega's 42/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Dhania can reach 1,500 kg/acre (~KES 112,500/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag