Growing Sesame (Simsim) in Homa Bay

Soil suitability analysis based on Homa Bay's nutrient profile

Homa Bay County is a solid choice for Sesame (Simsim), with a soil-match score of 65/100. At an average pH of 5.27 the soil is moderately acidic, below Sesame (Simsim)'s preferred 5.5–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.05 g/kg), phosphorus (13.8 mg/kg) and potassium (147 mg/kg) all meet Sesame (Simsim)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Sesame (Simsim) prefers sandy soils, while Homa Bay is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sesame (Simsim) is the #52 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Homa Bay County. Sesame (Simsim)'s full potential is about 250 kg/acre (~KES 87,500/acre at KES 350/kg), but at Homa Bay's 65/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 203 kg/acre (~KES 71,050/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.