Growing Onion in Meru
Soil suitability analysis based on Meru's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Meru is only marginally suited to Onion. Meru's soil (pH 4.88, strongly acidic) gives Onion a suitability score of 51/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Onion can be grown in Meru County, but the soil scores 51/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 4.88 the soil is strongly acidic, below Onion's preferred 6–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.22 g/kg), phosphorus (20.3 mg/kg) and potassium (218 mg/kg) all meet Onion's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Onion prefers sandy loam soils, while Meru is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Onion is the #70 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Meru County. Onion's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 420,000/acre at KES 70/kg), but at Meru's 51/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,825 kg/acre (~KES 267,750/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Meru's soil: Tea, Avocado, and Macadamia — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Meru soil | Onion needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.88 | 6–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.22 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 20.3 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 218 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 500–1,000 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–2,000 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Meru
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Meru's nitrogen (1.22 g/kg) already meets Onion's 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Meru
Varieties suited to Meru's 1,500 m altitude and 1,400 mm annual rainfall — 2 of 2 onion varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag