Growing Pumpkin in Trans Nzoia
Soil suitability analysis based on Trans Nzoia's nutrient profile
Trans Nzoia County is well suited to Pumpkin, scoring 85/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 5.93 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.8–7.5 band Pumpkin prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.68 g/kg), phosphorus (27.3 mg/kg) and potassium (213 mg/kg) all meet Pumpkin's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Pumpkin 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 30/kg) and a typical 10,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Pumpkin crop here can gross roughly KES 300,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Trans Nzoia soil | Pumpkin needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.93 | 5.8–7.5 | 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 200 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 500–1,200 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,900 m | 0–2,100 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Top dressing guide
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag