Growing Basil in Trans Nzoia
Soil suitability analysis based on Trans Nzoia's nutrient profile
Yes — Trans Nzoia is well suited to Basil. Trans Nzoia's soil (pH 5.93, slightly acidic) gives Basil a suitability score of 83/100. Match fertilizer to Trans Nzoia's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Trans Nzoia County is well suited to Basil, scoring 83/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. At an average pH of 5.93 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Basil's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.68 g/kg), phosphorus (27.3 mg/kg) and potassium (213 mg/kg) all meet Basil's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Basil, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Basil is the #46 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Trans Nzoia County. At current prices (about KES 120/kg) and a typical 4,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Basil crop here can gross roughly KES 480,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Trans Nzoia soil | Basil needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.93 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.68 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 27.3 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 213 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 600–1,200 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,900 m | 0–2,100 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Trans Nzoia
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Top dressing guide
Trans Nzoia's nitrogen (1.68 g/kg) already meets Basil's 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag