Growing Dragon Fruit in Trans Nzoia
Soil suitability analysis based on Trans Nzoia's nutrient profile
Trans Nzoia County is a solid choice for Dragon Fruit, with a soil-match score of 73/100. Local soils average pH 5.93 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–7 band Dragon Fruit prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.68 g/kg), phosphorus (27.3 mg/kg) and potassium (213 mg/kg) all meet Dragon Fruit's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Dragon Fruit prefers sandy loam soils, while Trans Nzoia is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At current prices (about KES 500/kg) and a typical 5,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Dragon Fruit crop here can gross roughly KES 2,500,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Trans Nzoia soil | Dragon Fruit needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.93 | 5.5–7 | 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 | 500–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,900 m | 0–1,700 m | High |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag