Growing Groundnuts in Trans Nzoia

Soil suitability analysis based on Trans Nzoia's nutrient profile

Trans Nzoia County is well suited to Groundnuts, scoring 84/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 5.93 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7 band Groundnuts prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.68 g/kg), phosphorus (27.3 mg/kg) and potassium (213 mg/kg) all meet Groundnuts's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Groundnuts prefers sandy soils, while Trans Nzoia is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At current prices (about KES 90/kg) and a typical 500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Groundnuts crop here can gross roughly KES 45,000 per acre.

84Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorTrans Nzoia soilGroundnuts needsStatus
pH5.9357OK
Nitrogen1.68 g/kgmin 0.5 g/kgOK
Phosphorus27.3 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium213 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK
Rainfall1,200 mm500–1,400 mmOK
Altitude1,900 m0–1,800 mHigh

Top dressing guide

Product
None
Timing
None required
Instruction
Groundnuts fix their own Nitrogen. Apply gypsum at pegging for calcium.
Bags per Acre
0

Recommended seed varieties

ICGV-SM 99568Dryland/Medium
ICRISAT/KALRO · 90-100 days · 8-12 bags/acre
Rosette virus resistant; high oil content.
Red ValenciaDryland
Local/KALRO · 100-110 days · 6-10 bags/acre
Popular local market variety; good taste.

Economics

Market priceKES 90/kg
Expected yield 500 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 45,000/acre

Preferred textureSandy

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag