Growing Sunflower in Kiambu

Soil suitability analysis based on Kiambu's nutrient profile

Sunflower can be grown in Kiambu County, but the soil scores 55/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.28 the soil is moderately acidic, below Sunflower's preferred 6–7.5 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 Sunflower's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Sunflower prefers sandy soils, while Kiambu is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sunflower is the #79 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kiambu County. Sunflower's full potential is about 750 kg/acre (~KES 36,000/acre at KES 48/kg), but at Kiambu's 55/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 516 kg/acre (~KES 24,768/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Kiambu's soil: Macadamia, Avocado, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.