Growing Sisal in Kisumu

Soil suitability analysis based on Kisumu's nutrient profile

Kisumu County is a challenging environment for Sisal (soil-match score 44/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 5.54 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–8.5 band Sisal prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (0.91 g/kg), phosphorus (12.5 mg/kg) and potassium (166 mg/kg) all meet Sisal's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Sisal prefers sandy soils, while Kisumu is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Sisal's full potential is about 1,000 kg/acre (~KES 90,000/acre at KES 90/kg), but at Kisumu's 44/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 550 kg/acre (~KES 49,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.