Growing Cotton in Embu
Soil suitability analysis based on Embu's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Embu is moderately suited to Cotton. Embu's soil (pH 5.1, strongly acidic) gives Cotton a suitability score of 60/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Embu County is a solid choice for Cotton, with a soil-match score of 60/100. At an average pH of 5.1 the soil is moderately acidic, below Cotton's preferred 5.8–8 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.04 g/kg), phosphorus (12.6 mg/kg) and potassium (194 mg/kg) all meet Cotton's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Cotton, which favours clay. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cotton is the #55 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Embu County. Cotton's full potential is about 900 kg/acre (~KES 61,200/acre at KES 68/kg), but at Embu's 60/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 675 kg/acre (~KES 45,900/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Embu soil | Cotton needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.1 | 5.8–8 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.04 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 12.6 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 194 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,300 mm | 450–1,200 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,400 m | 0–1,500 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Embu's nitrogen (1.04 g/kg) already meets Cotton's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Embu
Varieties suited to Embu's 1,400 m altitude and 1,300 mm annual rainfall — 1 of 2 cotton varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag