Growing Oilseed Rape (Canola) in Nyamira
Soil suitability analysis based on Nyamira's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Nyamira is poorly suited to Oilseed Rape (Canola). Nyamira's soil (pH 5.58, slightly acidic) gives Oilseed Rape (Canola) a suitability score of 39/100. Match fertilizer to Nyamira's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Nyamira County is a challenging environment for Oilseed Rape (Canola) (soil-match score 39/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.58 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Oilseed Rape (Canola)'s preferred 5.8–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 0.84 g/kg, P 11.6 mg/kg, K 148 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. 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 #87 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nyamira County. Oilseed Rape (Canola)'s full potential is about 1,000 kg/acre (~KES 60,000/acre at KES 60/kg), but at Nyamira's 39/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 488 kg/acre (~KES 29,280/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Nyamira's soil: Sweet Potato, Soybeans, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nyamira soil | Oilseed Rape (Canola) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.58 | 5.8–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.84 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 11.6 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 148 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,600 mm | 400–900 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 1,500–2,800 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Nyamira
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Top dressing guide
Nyamira's nitrogen (0.84 g/kg) is 70% 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