Growing Sunflower in Kakamega

Soil suitability analysis based on Kakamega's nutrient profile

Kakamega County is a challenging environment for Sunflower (soil-match score 37/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.63 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, 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 1.01 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. Sunflower prefers sandy soils, while Kakamega is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sunflower is the #89 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kakamega County. Sunflower's full potential is about 750 kg/acre (~KES 36,000/acre at KES 48/kg), but at Kakamega's 37/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 347 kg/acre (~KES 16,656/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.