Growing Oilseed Rape (Canola) in Kisumu
Soil suitability analysis based on Kisumu's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Kisumu is poorly suited to Oilseed Rape (Canola). Kisumu's soil (pH 5.54, slightly acidic) gives Oilseed Rape (Canola) a suitability score of 32/100. Match fertilizer to Kisumu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kisumu County is a challenging environment for Oilseed Rape (Canola) (soil-match score 32/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.54 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Oilseed Rape (Canola)'s preferred 5.8–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen and phosphorus — measured at N 0.91 g/kg, P 12.5 mg/kg, K 166 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Oilseed Rape (Canola) prefers loam soils, while Kisumu is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Oilseed Rape (Canola) is the #98 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kisumu County. Oilseed Rape (Canola)'s full potential is about 1,000 kg/acre (~KES 60,000/acre at KES 60/kg), but at Kisumu's 32/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 400 kg/acre (~KES 24,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Kisumu's soil: Cassava, Macadamia, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kisumu soil | Oilseed Rape (Canola) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.54 | 5.8–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.91 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 12.5 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 166 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 400–900 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,150 m | 1,500–2,800 m | Low |
Planting calendar for Kisumu
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· September–November
Top dressing guide
Kisumu's nitrogen (0.91 g/kg) is 76% of the 1.2 g/kg Oilseed Rape (Canola) needs, so the standard 0.5 bags/acre is raised to 0.75. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag