Growing Chia in Trans Nzoia

Soil suitability analysis based on Trans Nzoia's nutrient profile

Chia can be grown in Trans Nzoia County, but the soil scores 58/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.93 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Chia's preferred 6–8 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 Chia's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Chia 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, Chia is the #80 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Trans Nzoia County. Chia's full potential is about 400 kg/acre (~KES 60,000/acre at KES 150/kg), but at Trans Nzoia's 58/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 290 kg/acre (~KES 43,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Trans Nzoia's soil: Kale (Sukuma Wiki), Finger Millet, and Sweet Potato — each scores higher on the same soil.