Growing Quinoa in Trans Nzoia
Soil suitability analysis based on Trans Nzoia's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Trans Nzoia is only marginally suited to Quinoa. Trans Nzoia's soil (pH 5.93, slightly acidic) gives Quinoa a suitability score of 54/100. Match fertilizer to Trans Nzoia's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Quinoa can be grown in Trans Nzoia County, but the soil scores 54/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.93 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Quinoa's preferred 6–8.5 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 Quinoa's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Quinoa, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Quinoa is the #84 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Trans Nzoia County. Quinoa's full potential is about 700 kg/acre (~KES 105,000/acre at KES 150/kg), but at Trans Nzoia's 54/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 473 kg/acre (~KES 70,950/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Trans Nzoia's soil: Kale (Sukuma Wiki), Finger Millet, and Sweet Potato — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Trans Nzoia soil | Quinoa needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.93 | 6–8.5 | Adjust |
| 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 | 300–800 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,900 m | 1,500–3,000 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Trans Nzoia
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Top dressing guide
Trans Nzoia's nitrogen (1.68 g/kg) already meets Quinoa's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag