Growing Cotton in Kiambu

Soil suitability analysis based on Kiambu's nutrient profile

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. 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.