Growing Radish in Kilifi
Soil suitability analysis based on Kilifi's nutrient profile
Kilifi County is a challenging environment for Radish (soil-match score 7/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.24 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 6–7.5 band Radish prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 0.8 g/kg, P 11 mg/kg, K 109 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Radish, which favours sandy loam. At 150 m, the county sits below Radish's preferred altitude range (500–2500 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. Radish's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 320,000/acre at KES 40/kg), but at Kilifi's 7/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 700 kg/acre (~KES 28,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kilifi soil | Radish needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.24 | 6–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.8 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 11 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 109 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 700 mm | 500–1,000 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 150 m | 500–2,500 m | Low |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Top dressing guide
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag