Growing Butternut Squash in Trans Nzoia
Soil suitability analysis based on Trans Nzoia's nutrient profile
Yes — Trans Nzoia is well suited to Butternut Squash. Trans Nzoia's soil (pH 5.93, slightly acidic) gives Butternut Squash a suitability score of 88/100. Match fertilizer to Trans Nzoia's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Trans Nzoia County is well suited to Butternut Squash, scoring 88/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 5.93 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–7.5 band Butternut Squash prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.68 g/kg), phosphorus (27.3 mg/kg) and potassium (213 mg/kg) all meet Butternut Squash's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Butternut Squash prefers sandy loam soils, while Trans Nzoia is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Butternut Squash is the #34 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Trans Nzoia County. At current prices (about KES 40/kg) and a typical 10,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Butternut Squash crop here can gross roughly KES 400,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Trans Nzoia soil | Butternut Squash needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.93 | 5.5–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.68 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 27.3 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 213 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 500–1,200 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,900 m | 0–2,000 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Trans Nzoia
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Trans Nzoia's nitrogen (1.68 g/kg) already meets Butternut Squash's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Trans Nzoia
3 butternut squash varieties are rated for Trans Nzoia's altitude (1,900 m) and rainfall (1,200 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag