Growing Sesame (Simsim) in Bungoma
Soil suitability analysis based on Bungoma's nutrient profile
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. At current prices (about KES 350/kg) and a typical 180 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Sesame (Simsim) crop here can gross roughly KES 63,000 per acre.
Soil match analysis
| Nutrient | 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 |
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag