Growing Oilseed Rape (Canola) in Kakamega
Soil suitability analysis based on Kakamega's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Kakamega is poorly suited to Oilseed Rape (Canola). Kakamega's soil (pH 5.63, slightly acidic) gives Oilseed Rape (Canola) a suitability score of 35/100. Match fertilizer to Kakamega's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kakamega County is a challenging environment for Oilseed Rape (Canola) (soil-match score 35/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.63 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, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 1.01 g/kg, P 14 mg/kg, K 147 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 #93 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kakamega County. Oilseed Rape (Canola)'s full potential is about 1,000 kg/acre (~KES 60,000/acre at KES 60/kg), but at Kakamega's 35/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 438 kg/acre (~KES 26,280/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Kakamega's soil: Soybeans, Rice (Lowland/Paddy), and Sweet Potato — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kakamega soil | Oilseed Rape (Canola) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.63 | 5.8–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.01 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 14 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 147 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,900 mm | 400–900 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 1,500–2,800 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Kakamega
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Top dressing guide
Kakamega's nitrogen (1.01 g/kg) is 84% 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