Growing Cotton in Kakamega
Soil suitability analysis based on Kakamega's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Kakamega is only marginally suited to Cotton. Kakamega's soil (pH 5.63, slightly acidic) gives Cotton a suitability score of 51/100. Match fertilizer to Kakamega's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Cotton can be grown in Kakamega County, but the soil scores 51/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.63 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Cotton's preferred 5.8–8 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 1.01 g/kg, P 14 mg/kg, K 147 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Cotton, which favours clay. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cotton is the #63 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kakamega County. Cotton's full potential is about 900 kg/acre (~KES 61,200/acre at KES 68/kg), but at Kakamega's 51/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 574 kg/acre (~KES 39,032/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Kakamega's soil: Soybeans, Rice (Lowland/Paddy), and Sweet Potato — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kakamega soil | Cotton needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.63 | 5.8–8 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.01 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 14 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 147 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,900 mm | 450–1,200 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–1,500 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Kakamega's nitrogen (1.01 g/kg) already meets Cotton's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Kakamega
Varieties suited to Kakamega's 1,500 m altitude and 1,900 mm annual rainfall — 1 of 2 cotton varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag