Growing Onion in Turkana

Soil suitability analysis based on Turkana's nutrient profile

Turkana County is a challenging environment for Onion (soil-match score 18/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.95 the soil sits above Onion's preferred 6–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.41 g/kg, P 38.5 mg/kg, K 417 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Onion, which favours sandy loam. Turkana receives approximately 300 mm/year — well below Onion's minimum of 500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Onion's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 420,000/acre at KES 70/kg), but at Turkana's 18/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,350 kg/acre (~KES 94,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.