Growing Rosemary in Trans Nzoia
Soil suitability analysis based on Trans Nzoia's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Trans Nzoia is moderately suited to Rosemary. Trans Nzoia's soil (pH 5.93, slightly acidic) gives Rosemary a suitability score of 65/100. Match fertilizer to Trans Nzoia's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Trans Nzoia County is a solid choice for Rosemary, with a soil-match score of 65/100. At an average pH of 5.93 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Rosemary's preferred 6–8 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 Rosemary's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Rosemary 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, Rosemary is the #75 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Trans Nzoia County. Rosemary's full potential is about 2,500 kg/acre (~KES 375,000/acre at KES 150/kg), but at Trans Nzoia's 65/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,031 kg/acre (~KES 304,650/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Trans Nzoia soil | Rosemary needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.93 | 6–8 | 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 | 400–900 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,900 m | 800–2,400 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 Rosemary's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag