Growing Onion in Kitui
Soil suitability analysis based on Kitui's nutrient profile
Yes — Kitui is well suited to Onion. Kitui's soil (pH 7.03, near-neutral) gives Onion a suitability score of 80/100. Match fertilizer to Kitui's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kitui County is well suited to Onion, scoring 80/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. At an average pH of 7.03 the soil sits above Onion's preferred 6–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.74 g/kg, P 30.5 mg/kg, K 339 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Onion, which favours sandy loam. At current prices (about KES 70/kg) and a typical 6,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Onion crop here can gross roughly KES 420,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kitui soil | Onion needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.03 | 6–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.74 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 30.5 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 339 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 500 mm | 500–1,000 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 900 m | 0–2,000 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag