Growing Radish in Kisii
Soil suitability analysis based on Kisii's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Kisii is only marginally suited to Radish. Kisii's soil (pH 5.21, strongly acidic) gives Radish a suitability score of 49/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Radish can be grown in Kisii County, but the soil scores 49/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.21 the soil is moderately acidic, below Radish's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.09 g/kg), phosphorus (13.1 mg/kg) and potassium (151 mg/kg) all meet Radish's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Radish prefers sandy loam soils, while Kisii is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Radish is the #71 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kisii County. Radish's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 320,000/acre at KES 40/kg), but at Kisii's 49/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,900 kg/acre (~KES 196,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Kisii's soil: Tea, Macadamia, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kisii soil | Radish needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.21 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.09 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 13.1 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 151 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,500 mm | 500–1,000 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 500–2,500 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Kisii
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Top dressing guide
Kisii's nitrogen (1.09 g/kg) already meets Radish's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag