Growing Oilseed Rape (Canola) in Nandi
Soil suitability analysis based on Nandi's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Nandi is moderately suited to Oilseed Rape (Canola). Nandi's soil (pH 6.17, slightly acidic) gives Oilseed Rape (Canola) a suitability score of 64/100. Match fertilizer to Nandi's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Nandi County is a solid choice for Oilseed Rape (Canola), with a soil-match score of 64/100. Local soils average pH 6.17 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.8–7.5 band Oilseed Rape (Canola) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.37 g/kg), phosphorus (26.4 mg/kg) and potassium (207 mg/kg) all meet Oilseed Rape (Canola)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Oilseed Rape (Canola), which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Oilseed Rape (Canola) is the #68 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nandi County. Oilseed Rape (Canola)'s full potential is about 1,000 kg/acre (~KES 60,000/acre at KES 60/kg), but at Nandi's 64/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 800 kg/acre (~KES 48,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nandi soil | Oilseed Rape (Canola) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.17 | 5.8–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.37 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 26.4 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 207 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 400–900 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,900 m | 1,500–2,800 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Nandi
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Top dressing guide
Nandi's nitrogen (1.37 g/kg) already meets Oilseed Rape (Canola)'s 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag