Growing Sunflower in Bomet

Soil suitability analysis based on Bomet's nutrient profile

Sunflower can be grown in Bomet County, but the soil scores 48/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 6.02 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 6–7.5 band Sunflower prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.38 g/kg), phosphorus (23.6 mg/kg) and potassium (237 mg/kg) all meet Sunflower's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Sunflower prefers sandy soils, while Bomet is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Sunflower's full potential is about 750 kg/acre (~KES 36,000/acre at KES 48/kg), but at Bomet's 48/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 450 kg/acre (~KES 21,600/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.