Growing Macadamia in Trans Nzoia
Soil suitability analysis based on Trans Nzoia's nutrient profile
Yes — Trans Nzoia is well suited to Macadamia. Trans Nzoia's soil (pH 5.93, slightly acidic) gives Macadamia a suitability score of 91/100. Match fertilizer to Trans Nzoia's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Trans Nzoia County is well suited to Macadamia, scoring 91/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 5.93 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 4.5–6.5 band Macadamia prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.68 g/kg), phosphorus (27.3 mg/kg) and potassium (213 mg/kg) all meet Macadamia's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Macadamia, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Macadamia is the #12 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Trans Nzoia County. At current prices (about KES 110/kg) and a typical 1,800 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Macadamia crop here can gross roughly KES 198,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Trans Nzoia soil | Macadamia needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.93 | 4.5–6.5 | 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 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 700–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,900 m | 900–2,100 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Trans Nzoia
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Trans Nzoia's nitrogen (1.68 g/kg) already meets Macadamia's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Trans Nzoia
Varieties suited to Trans Nzoia's 1,900 m altitude and 1,200 mm annual rainfall — 3 of 3 macadamia varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag