Growing Sesame (Simsim) in Garissa
Soil suitability analysis based on Garissa's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Garissa is only marginally suited to Sesame (Simsim). Garissa's soil (pH 7.96, alkaline) gives Sesame (Simsim) a suitability score of 43/100. Match fertilizer to Garissa's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Garissa County is a challenging environment for Sesame (Simsim) (soil-match score 43/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.96 the soil sits above Sesame (Simsim)'s preferred 5.5–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.61 g/kg), phosphorus (37.7 mg/kg) and potassium (407 mg/kg) all meet Sesame (Simsim)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Sesame (Simsim), which favours sandy. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sesame (Simsim) is the #9 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Garissa County. Sesame (Simsim)'s full potential is about 250 kg/acre (~KES 87,500/acre at KES 350/kg), but at Garissa's 43/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 134 kg/acre (~KES 46,900/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Garissa's soil: Sisal, Aloe Vera, and Green Grams — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Garissa soil | Sesame (Simsim) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.96 | 5.5–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.61 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 37.7 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 407 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 250 mm | 300–800 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 200 m | 0–1,600 m | OK |
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag