Growing Sunflower in Kisii

Soil suitability analysis based on Kisii's nutrient profile

Kisii County is a challenging environment for Sunflower (soil-match score 37/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.21 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 (1.09 g/kg), phosphorus (13.1 mg/kg) and potassium (151 mg/kg) all meet Sunflower's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Sunflower prefers sandy soils, while Kisii is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sunflower is the #87 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kisii County. Sunflower's full potential is about 750 kg/acre (~KES 36,000/acre at KES 48/kg), but at Kisii's 37/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 347 kg/acre (~KES 16,656/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

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