Growing Onion in Kericho

Soil suitability analysis based on Kericho's nutrient profile

Onion can be grown in Kericho County, but the soil scores 52/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.94 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. Nitrogen (1.34 g/kg), phosphorus (23.7 mg/kg) and potassium (225 mg/kg) all meet Onion's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Onion prefers sandy loam soils, while Kericho is largely clay, 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 Kericho's 52/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,900 kg/acre (~KES 273,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.