Growing Onion in Trans Nzoia
Soil suitability analysis based on Trans Nzoia's nutrient profile
Yes — Trans Nzoia is well suited to Onion. Trans Nzoia's soil (pH 5.93, slightly acidic) gives Onion a suitability score of 79/100. Match fertilizer to Trans Nzoia's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Trans Nzoia County is well suited to Onion, scoring 79/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. At an average pH of 5.93 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Onion's preferred 6–7 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 Onion's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Onion 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, Onion is the #61 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Trans Nzoia County. At current prices (about KES 70/kg) and a typical 6,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Onion crop here can gross roughly KES 420,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Trans Nzoia soil | Onion needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.93 | 6–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.68 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 27.3 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 213 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 500–1,000 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,900 m | 0–2,000 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 Onion's 1.2 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 — 2 of 2 onion varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag