Growing Sunflower in Garissa

Soil suitability analysis based on Garissa's nutrient profile

Garissa County is a challenging environment for Sunflower (soil-match score 27/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.96 the soil sits above Sunflower's preferred 6–7.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.61 g/kg, P 37.7 mg/kg, K 407 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Sunflower, which favours sandy. Garissa receives approximately 250 mm/year — well below Sunflower's minimum of 400 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sunflower is the #12 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Garissa County. Sunflower's full potential is about 750 kg/acre (~KES 36,000/acre at KES 48/kg), but at Garissa's 27/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 253 kg/acre (~KES 12,144/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.