Growing Sisal in Kakamega

Soil suitability analysis based on Kakamega's nutrient profile

Kakamega County is a challenging environment for Sisal (soil-match score 36/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 5.63 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–8.5 band Sisal prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.01 g/kg), phosphorus (14 mg/kg) and potassium (147 mg/kg) all meet Sisal's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Sisal prefers sandy soils, while Kakamega is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Sisal's full potential is about 1,000 kg/acre (~KES 90,000/acre at KES 90/kg), but at Kakamega's 36/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 450 kg/acre (~KES 40,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.