Growing Oilseed Rape (Canola) in Kilifi

Soil suitability analysis based on Kilifi's nutrient profile

Kilifi County is a challenging environment for Oilseed Rape (Canola) (soil-match score 1/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.24 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.8–7.5 band Oilseed Rape (Canola) prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 0.8 g/kg, P 11 mg/kg, K 109 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Oilseed Rape (Canola), which favours loam. At 150 m, the county sits below Oilseed Rape (Canola)'s preferred altitude range (1500–2800 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. Oilseed Rape (Canola)'s full potential is about 1,000 kg/acre (~KES 60,000/acre at KES 60/kg), but at Kilifi's 1/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 13 kg/acre (~KES 780/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.