Growing Sorghum in Kisii
Soil suitability analysis based on Kisii's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Kisii is poorly suited to Sorghum. Kisii's soil (pH 5.21, strongly acidic) gives Sorghum a suitability score of 36/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Kisii County is a challenging environment for Sorghum (soil-match score 36/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 5.21 — moderately acidic and inside the 5–8 band Sorghum prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.09 g/kg), phosphorus (13.1 mg/kg) and potassium (151 mg/kg) all meet Sorghum's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Sorghum, which favours clay. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sorghum is the #89 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kisii County. Sorghum's full potential is about 1,200 kg/acre (~KES 81,600/acre at KES 68/kg), but at Kisii's 36/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 540 kg/acre (~KES 36,720/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Kisii's soil: Tea, Macadamia, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kisii soil | Sorghum needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.21 | 5–8 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.09 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 13.1 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 151 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,500 mm | 250–700 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 0–1,800 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag