Growing Sunflower in Kisumu

Soil suitability analysis based on Kisumu's nutrient profile

Sunflower can be grown in Kisumu County, but the soil scores 54/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.54 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Sunflower's preferred 6–7.5 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 Sunflower's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Sunflower prefers sandy soils, while Kisumu is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Sunflower's full potential is about 750 kg/acre (~KES 36,000/acre at KES 48/kg), but at Kisumu's 54/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 506 kg/acre (~KES 24,288/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.