Growing Cotton in Kakamega

Soil suitability analysis based on Kakamega's nutrient profile

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. 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.