Growing Sunflower in Laikipia

Soil suitability analysis based on Laikipia's nutrient profile

Laikipia County is a solid choice for Sunflower, with a soil-match score of 64/100. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Sunflower's preferred 6–7.5 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 Sunflower's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Sunflower, which favours sandy. Sunflower's full potential is about 750 kg/acre (~KES 36,000/acre at KES 48/kg), but at Laikipia's 64/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 600 kg/acre (~KES 28,800/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.