Growing Sesame (Simsim) in Laikipia

Soil suitability analysis based on Laikipia's nutrient profile

Laikipia County is a solid choice for Sesame (Simsim), with a soil-match score of 65/100. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Sesame (Simsim)'s preferred 5.5–7 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 Sesame (Simsim)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Sesame (Simsim), which favours sandy. At current prices (about KES 350/kg) and a typical 180 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Sesame (Simsim) crop here can gross roughly KES 63,000 per acre.