Growing Cotton in Kisumu
Soil suitability analysis based on Kisumu's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kisumu is moderately suited to Cotton. Kisumu's soil (pH 5.54, slightly acidic) gives Cotton a suitability score of 69/100. Match fertilizer to Kisumu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kisumu County is a solid choice for Cotton, with a soil-match score of 69/100. At an average pH of 5.54 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Cotton's preferred 5.8–8 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (0.91 g/kg), phosphorus (12.5 mg/kg) and potassium (166 mg/kg) all meet Cotton's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay soils suit Cotton, which favours clay. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cotton is the #47 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kisumu County. Cotton's full potential is about 900 kg/acre (~KES 61,200/acre at KES 68/kg), but at Kisumu's 69/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 776 kg/acre (~KES 52,768/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kisumu soil | Cotton needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.54 | 5.8–8 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.91 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 12.5 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 166 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 450–1,200 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,150 m | 0–1,500 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Kisumu's nitrogen (0.91 g/kg) already meets Cotton's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Kisumu's 1,150 m altitude and 1,200 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag