Growing Onion in Kakamega

Soil suitability analysis based on Kakamega's nutrient profile

Kakamega County is a challenging environment for Onion (soil-match score 40/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.63 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, 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, 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. Onion prefers sandy loam soils, while Kakamega is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Onion's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 420,000/acre at KES 70/kg), but at Kakamega's 40/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,000 kg/acre (~KES 210,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.