Growing Cauliflower in Trans Nzoia
Soil suitability analysis based on Trans Nzoia's nutrient profile
Trans Nzoia County is well suited to Cauliflower, scoring 82/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. At an average pH of 5.93 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Cauliflower'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 Cauliflower's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Cauliflower, which favours loam. At current prices (about KES 60/kg) and a typical 10,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Cauliflower crop here can gross roughly KES 600,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Trans Nzoia soil | Cauliflower 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 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 213 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 700–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,900 m | 1,200–2,800 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Top dressing guide
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag