Growing Sunflower in Homa Bay
Soil suitability analysis based on Homa Bay's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Homa Bay is only marginally suited to Sunflower. Homa Bay's soil (pH 5.27, strongly acidic) gives Sunflower a suitability score of 54/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Sunflower can be grown in Homa Bay County, but the soil scores 54/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.27 the soil is moderately acidic, below Sunflower's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 1.05 g/kg, P 13.8 mg/kg, K 147 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Sunflower 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, Sunflower is the #79 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Homa Bay County. Sunflower's full potential is about 750 kg/acre (~KES 36,000/acre at KES 48/kg), but at Homa Bay's 54/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 506 kg/acre (~KES 24,288/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Homa Bay's soil: Macadamia, Avocado, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Homa Bay soil | Sunflower needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.27 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.05 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 13.8 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 147 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,100 mm | 400–800 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 0–2,000 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Homa Bay
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· September–November
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Homa Bay's nitrogen (1.05 g/kg) already meets Sunflower's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Homa Bay
Varieties suited to Homa Bay's 1,200 m altitude and 1,100 mm annual rainfall — 2 of 2 sunflower varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag