Growing Quinoa in Trans Nzoia

Soil suitability analysis based on Trans Nzoia's nutrient profile

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. 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.