Growing Sunflower in Bungoma

Soil suitability analysis based on Bungoma's nutrient profile

Sunflower can be grown in Bungoma County, but the soil scores 46/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.56 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Sunflower's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.12 g/kg), phosphorus (15.7 mg/kg) and potassium (161 mg/kg) all meet Sunflower's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Sunflower prefers sandy soils, while Bungoma 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 Bungoma's 46/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 431 kg/acre (~KES 20,688/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.