Growing Radish in Samburu

Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile

Samburu County is a challenging environment for Radish (soil-match score 29/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.28 the soil sits above Radish's preferred 6–7.5 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 medium/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Radish, which favours sandy loam. Samburu receives approximately 350 mm/year — well below Radish's minimum of 500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Radish's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 320,000/acre at KES 40/kg), but at Samburu's 29/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,900 kg/acre (~KES 116,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.