Growing Sesame (Simsim) in Bungoma
Soil suitability analysis based on Bungoma's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Bungoma is only marginally suited to Sesame (Simsim). Bungoma's soil (pH 5.56, slightly acidic) gives Sesame (Simsim) a suitability score of 54/100. Match fertilizer to Bungoma's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Sesame (Simsim) can be grown in Bungoma County, but the soil scores 54/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 5.56 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–7 band Sesame (Simsim) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.12 g/kg), phosphorus (15.7 mg/kg) and potassium (161 mg/kg) all meet Sesame (Simsim)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Sesame (Simsim) prefers sandy soils, while Bungoma is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sesame (Simsim) is the #77 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Bungoma County. Sesame (Simsim)'s full potential is about 250 kg/acre (~KES 87,500/acre at KES 350/kg), but at Bungoma's 54/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 169 kg/acre (~KES 59,150/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Bungoma's soil: Macadamia, Avocado, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Bungoma soil | Sesame (Simsim) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.56 | 5.5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.12 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 15.7 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 161 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 300–800 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–1,600 m | OK |
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag