Growing Sesame (Simsim) in Laikipia
Soil suitability analysis based on Laikipia's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Laikipia is moderately suited to Sesame (Simsim). Laikipia's soil (pH 4.99, strongly acidic) gives Sesame (Simsim) a suitability score of 65/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sesame (Simsim) is the #32 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Laikipia County. Sesame (Simsim)'s full potential is about 250 kg/acre (~KES 87,500/acre at KES 350/kg), but at Laikipia's 65/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 203 kg/acre (~KES 71,050/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Laikipia soil | Sesame (Simsim) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.99 | 5.5–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.42 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 16.6 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 215 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 600 mm | 300–800 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 0–1,600 m | High |
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag