Growing Oilseed Rape (Canola) in Samburu

Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile

Samburu County is a challenging environment for Oilseed Rape (Canola) (soil-match score 14/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.28 the soil sits above Oilseed Rape (Canola)'s preferred 5.8–7.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.67 g/kg, P 42.1 mg/kg, K 387 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Oilseed Rape (Canola) prefers loam soils, while Samburu is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 900 m, the county sits below Oilseed Rape (Canola)'s preferred altitude range (1500–2800 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. Oilseed Rape (Canola)'s full potential is about 1,000 kg/acre (~KES 60,000/acre at KES 60/kg), but at Samburu's 14/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 175 kg/acre (~KES 10,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.