Growing Sesame (Simsim) in Garissa

Soil suitability analysis based on Garissa's nutrient profile

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. 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.