Growing Sugarcane in Trans Nzoia

Soil suitability analysis based on Trans Nzoia's nutrient profile

Trans Nzoia County is a solid choice for Sugarcane, with a soil-match score of 67/100. Local soils average pH 5.93 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–7 band Sugarcane prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.68 g/kg), phosphorus (27.3 mg/kg) and potassium (213 mg/kg) all meet Sugarcane's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Sugarcane, which favours loam. At 1900 m, the county sits above Sugarcane's preferred altitude ceiling of 1500 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. At current prices (about KES 5/kg) and a typical 27,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Sugarcane crop here can gross roughly KES 135,000 per acre.

67Suitability score

Soil match analysis

NutrientTrans Nzoia soilSugarcane needsStatus
pH5.935.57OK
Nitrogen1.68 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgOK
Phosphorus27.3 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium213 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgOK

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 6-8 and Month 4
Instruction
Heavy nitrogen feeder. Apply in two split portions during early tillering.
Bags per Acre
1.5

Recommended seed varieties

CO 421Dryland/Medium
KESREF · 365-540 days · 400-600 tons/acre
Medium staple; high sucrose content; adapted to western Kenya.
N14Medium
KESREF · 365-540 days · 450-650 tons/acre
High yielding; good ratoon ability; widely grown in Nyanza and Western.

Economics

Market priceKES 5/kg
Expected yield27,000 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 135,000/acre

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 2,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,500(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 2,500(5,600)
Urea
KES 2,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag