Growing Onion in Tana River
Soil suitability analysis based on Tana River's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Tana River is only marginally suited to Onion. Tana River's soil (pH 6.4, slightly acidic) gives Onion a suitability score of 49/100. Match fertilizer to Tana River's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Onion can be grown in Tana River County, but the soil scores 49/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 6.4 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 6–7 band Onion 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. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Onion, which favours sandy loam. Onion's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 420,000/acre at KES 70/kg), but at Tana River's 49/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,675 kg/acre (~KES 257,250/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Tana River soil | Onion needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.4 | 6–7 | 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 | 500–1,000 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 200 m | 0–2,000 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag