Growing Dolichos in Trans Nzoia
Soil suitability analysis based on Trans Nzoia's nutrient profile
Yes — Trans Nzoia is well suited to Dolichos. Trans Nzoia's soil (pH 5.93, slightly acidic) gives Dolichos 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 Dolichos, scoring 83/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 5.93 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7.5 band Dolichos prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.68 g/kg), phosphorus (27.3 mg/kg) and potassium (213 mg/kg) all meet Dolichos's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Dolichos 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, Dolichos is the #44 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Trans Nzoia County. At current prices (about KES 120/kg) and a typical 600 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Dolichos crop here can gross roughly KES 72,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Trans Nzoia soil | Dolichos needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.93 | 5–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.68 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 27.3 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 213 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 400–1,000 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,900 m | 1,000–2,100 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