Growing Sesame (Simsim) in Kericho

Soil suitability analysis based on Kericho's nutrient profile

Kericho County is a challenging environment for Sesame (Simsim) (soil-match score 30/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 5.94 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–7 band Sesame (Simsim) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.34 g/kg), phosphorus (23.7 mg/kg) and potassium (225 mg/kg) all meet Sesame (Simsim)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Sesame (Simsim) prefers sandy soils, while Kericho is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 2000 m, the county sits above Sesame (Simsim)'s preferred altitude ceiling of 1600 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sesame (Simsim) is the #97 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kericho County. Sesame (Simsim)'s full potential is about 250 kg/acre (~KES 87,500/acre at KES 350/kg), but at Kericho's 30/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 94 kg/acre (~KES 32,900/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Kericho's soil: Kale (Sukuma Wiki), Sweet Potato, and Wambugu Apples — each scores higher on the same soil.