Growing Cotton in Kisii

Soil suitability analysis based on Kisii's nutrient profile

Kisii County is a challenging environment for Cotton (soil-match score 43/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.21 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 (1.09 g/kg), phosphorus (13.1 mg/kg) and potassium (151 mg/kg) all meet Cotton's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam 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 Kisii's 43/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 484 kg/acre (~KES 32,912/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.