Growing Oilseed Rape (Canola) in Kwale
Soil suitability analysis based on Kwale's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Kwale is poorly suited to Oilseed Rape (Canola). Kwale's soil (pH 6.76, near-neutral) gives Oilseed Rape (Canola) a suitability score of 1/100. Match fertilizer to Kwale's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kwale 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 6.76 — 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 0.93 g/kg, P 9.8 mg/kg, K 131 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 200 m, the county sits below Oilseed Rape (Canola)'s preferred altitude range (1500–2800 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Oilseed Rape (Canola) is the #104 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kwale County. Oilseed Rape (Canola)'s full potential is about 1,000 kg/acre (~KES 60,000/acre at KES 60/kg), but at Kwale's 1/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 13 kg/acre (~KES 780/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Kwale's soil: Dhania, Pigeon Peas, and Mango — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kwale soil | Oilseed Rape (Canola) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.76 | 5.8–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.93 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 9.8 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 131 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 400–900 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 200 m | 1,500–2,800 m | Low |
Planting calendar for Kwale
Long Rains· April–JuneMain season here
Short Rains· November–January
Top dressing guide
Kwale's nitrogen (0.93 g/kg) is 78% 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