Growing Cotton in Mandera

Soil suitability analysis based on Mandera's nutrient profile

Mandera County is a challenging environment for Cotton (soil-match score 9/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.38 the soil sits above Cotton's preferred 5.8–8 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.53 g/kg, P 38.3 mg/kg, K 420 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Cotton prefers clay soils, while Mandera is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Mandera receives approximately 180 mm/year — well below Cotton's minimum of 450 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 68/kg) and a typical 900 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Cotton crop here can gross roughly KES 61,200 per acre.