Growing Oilseed Rape (Canola) in Tana River
Soil suitability analysis based on Tana River's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Tana River is poorly suited to Oilseed Rape (Canola). Tana River's soil (pH 6.4, slightly acidic) gives Oilseed Rape (Canola) a suitability score of 1/100. Match fertilizer to Tana River's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Tana River County is a challenging environment for Oilseed Rape (Canola) (soil-match score 1/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.4 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.8–7.5 band Oilseed Rape (Canola) prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 1.04 g/kg, P 8.5 mg/kg, K 108 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Oilseed Rape (Canola) prefers loam soils, while Tana River is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 200 m, the county sits below Oilseed Rape (Canola)'s preferred altitude range (1500–2800 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Oilseed Rape (Canola) is the #91 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Tana River County. Oilseed Rape (Canola)'s full potential is about 1,000 kg/acre (~KES 60,000/acre at KES 60/kg), but at Tana River's 1/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 13 kg/acre (~KES 780/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Tana River's soil: Sorghum, Cowpeas, and Pigeon Peas — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Tana River soil | Oilseed Rape (Canola) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.4 | 5.8–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.04 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 8.5 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 108 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 400 mm | 400–900 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 200 m | 1,500–2,800 m | Low |
Planting calendar for Tana River
Long Rains· March–May
Short Rains· October–DecemberMain season here
Top dressing guide
Tana River's nitrogen (1.04 g/kg) is 87% 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