Growing Radish in Kakamega

Soil suitability analysis based on Kakamega's nutrient profile

Kakamega County is a challenging environment for Radish (soil-match score 41/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.63 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Radish's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 1.01 g/kg, P 14 mg/kg, K 147 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Radish prefers sandy loam soils, while Kakamega is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Radish's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 320,000/acre at KES 40/kg), but at Kakamega's 41/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,100 kg/acre (~KES 164,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

41Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorKakamega soilRadish needsStatus
pH5.6367.5Adjust
Nitrogen1.01 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgOK
Phosphorus14 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium147 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgLow
Rainfall1,900 mm500–1,000 mmHigh
Altitude1,500 m500–2,500 mOK

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Direct Sowing & Basal
Month 2
Thinning & Top Dressing
Month 3
Harvest

Short Rains

Month 1
Direct Sowing & Basal
Month 2
Thinning
Month 3
Harvest

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 2
Instruction
Fast crop — one light top-dress is enough. Excess nitrogen grows leaf not root.
Bags per Acre
0.2

Economics

Market priceKES 40/kg
Expected yield in Kakamega4,100 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 164,000/acre
Adjusted for Kakamega's 41/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Radish can reach 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 320,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureSandy Loam

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