Growing Radish in Kwale
Soil suitability analysis based on Kwale's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Kwale is poorly suited to Radish. Kwale's soil (pH 6.76, near-neutral) gives Radish a suitability score of 14/100. Match fertilizer to Kwale's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kwale County is a challenging environment for Radish (soil-match score 14/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.76 — 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 0.93 g/kg, P 9.8 mg/kg, K 131 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 200 m, the county sits below Radish's preferred altitude range (500–2500 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Radish is the #65 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kwale County. Radish's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 320,000/acre at KES 40/kg), but at Kwale's 14/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,400 kg/acre (~KES 56,000/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 | Radish needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.76 | 6–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.93 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 9.8 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 131 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 500–1,000 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 200 m | 500–2,500 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) already meets Radish's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag