Growing Cotton in Kiambu
Soil suitability analysis based on Kiambu's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Kiambu is only marginally suited to Cotton. Kiambu's soil (pH 5.28, strongly acidic) gives Cotton a suitability score of 51/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Cotton can be grown in Kiambu County, but the soil scores 51/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.28 the soil is moderately acidic, below Cotton's preferred 5.8–8 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.01 g/kg), phosphorus (13.7 mg/kg) and potassium (169 mg/kg) all meet Cotton's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay soils suit Cotton, which favours clay. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cotton is the #86 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kiambu County. Cotton's full potential is about 900 kg/acre (~KES 61,200/acre at KES 68/kg), but at Kiambu'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 Kiambu's soil: Macadamia, Avocado, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kiambu soil | Cotton needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.28 | 5.8–8 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.01 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 13.7 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 169 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,100 mm | 450–1,200 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 0–1,500 m | High |
Top dressing guide
Kiambu's nitrogen (1.01 g/kg) already meets Cotton's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Kiambu
Varieties suited to Kiambu's 1,700 m altitude and 1,100 mm annual rainfall — 1 of 2 cotton varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag