Growing Onion in Meru

Soil suitability analysis based on Meru's nutrient profile

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. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Onion, which favours sandy loam. At current prices (about KES 45/kg) and a typical 3,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Onion crop here can gross roughly KES 157,500 per acre.