Growing Sesame (Simsim) in Elgeyo Marakwet
Soil suitability analysis based on Elgeyo Marakwet's nutrient profile
Elgeyo Marakwet County is a solid choice for Sesame (Simsim), with a soil-match score of 65/100. Local soils average pH 6.27 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–7 band Sesame (Simsim) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.39 g/kg), phosphorus (22.2 mg/kg) and potassium (213 mg/kg) all meet Sesame (Simsim)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Sesame (Simsim) prefers sandy soils, while Elgeyo Marakwet 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 | Elgeyo Marakwet soil | Sesame (Simsim) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.27 | 5.5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.39 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 22.2 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 213 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag