Growing Sesame (Simsim) in Mandera

Soil suitability analysis based on Mandera's nutrient profile

Mandera County is a challenging environment for Sesame (Simsim) (soil-match score 19/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.38 the soil sits above Sesame (Simsim)'s preferred 5.5–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.53 g/kg), phosphorus (38.3 mg/kg) and potassium (420 mg/kg) all meet Sesame (Simsim)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Sesame (Simsim), which favours sandy. Mandera receives approximately 180 mm/year — well below Sesame (Simsim)'s minimum of 300 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sesame (Simsim) is the #9 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Mandera County. Sesame (Simsim)'s full potential is about 250 kg/acre (~KES 87,500/acre at KES 350/kg), but at Mandera's 19/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 59 kg/acre (~KES 20,650/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Mandera's soil: Sisal, Aloe Vera, and Green Grams — each scores higher on the same soil.