Growing Okra in Trans Nzoia

Soil suitability analysis based on Trans Nzoia's nutrient profile

Trans Nzoia County is a challenging environment for Okra (soil-match score 39/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.93 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Okra's preferred 6–7.5 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 Okra's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Okra, which favours loam. At 1900 m, the county sits above Okra's preferred altitude ceiling of 1300 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. Okra's full potential is about 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 300,000/acre at KES 60/kg), but at Trans Nzoia's 39/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,438 kg/acre (~KES 146,280/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.