Growing Radish in Turkana

Soil suitability analysis based on Turkana's nutrient profile

Turkana County is a challenging environment for Radish (soil-match score 14/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.95 the soil sits above Radish's preferred 6–7.5 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 medium/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Radish, which favours sandy loam. Turkana receives approximately 300 mm/year — well below Radish's minimum of 500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Radish's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 320,000/acre at KES 40/kg), but at Turkana's 14/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,400 kg/acre (~KES 56,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

14Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorTurkana soilRadish needsStatus
pH7.9567.5Adjust
Nitrogen0.41 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgLow
Phosphorus38.5 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium417 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK
Rainfall300 mm500–1,000 mmLow
Altitude400 m500–2,500 mLow

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Direct Sowing & Basal
Month 2
Thinning & Top Dressing
Month 3
Harvest

Short Rains

Month 1
Direct Sowing & Basal
Month 2
Thinning
Month 3
Harvest

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 2
Instruction
Fast crop — one light top-dress is enough. Excess nitrogen grows leaf not root.
Bags per Acre
0.2

Economics

Market priceKES 40/kg
Expected yield in Turkana1,400 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 56,000/acre
Adjusted for Turkana's 14/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Radish can reach 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 320,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureSandy Loam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag