Growing Sorghum in Kisii
Soil suitability analysis based on Kisii's nutrient profile
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. At current prices (about KES 68/kg) and a typical 1,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Sorghum crop here can gross roughly KES 68,000 per acre.
Suitability score
Soil match analysis
| Nutrient | 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 |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Month 1
Sowing & Basal Fertilizer
Month 2
Top Dressing & 1st Weeding
Month 3
Bird Control & Scouting
Short Rains
Month 1
Sowing & Basal Fertilizer
Month 2
Top Dressing & 1st Weeding
Month 3
Bird Control
Dry Season
Month 1
Harvesting & Drying
Month 2
Land Resting
Month 3
Seed Selection
Top dressing guide
Product
CAN
Timing
Week 4 after germination
Instruction
One application at vegetative stage is sufficient
Bags per Acre
0.5
Recommended seed varieties
GadamDryland
KALRO · 100-110 days · 12-15 bags/acre
Ideal for commercial brewing; highly drought resilient.
SeredoMedium/Dryland
KALRO · 110-120 days · 15-18 bags/acre
Brown grain; excellent bird resistance.
Economics
Market priceKES 68/kg
Expected yield1,000 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 68,000/acre
Preferred textureClay
Fertilizer prices
DAP
KES 2,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,500(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 2,500(5,600)
Urea
KES 2,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag