Growing Cotton in Laikipia

Soil suitability analysis based on Laikipia's nutrient profile

Cotton can be grown in Laikipia County, but the soil scores 48/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Cotton's preferred 5.8–8 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.42 g/kg), phosphorus (16.6 mg/kg) and potassium (215 mg/kg) all meet Cotton's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Cotton prefers clay soils, while Laikipia is largely sandy loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Cotton's full potential is about 900 kg/acre (~KES 61,200/acre at KES 68/kg), but at Laikipia's 48/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 540 kg/acre (~KES 36,720/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.