Growing Sisal in Mandera

Soil suitability analysis based on Mandera's nutrient profile

Mandera County is a challenging environment for Sisal (soil-match score 33/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 8.38 — alkaline and inside the 5.5–8.5 band Sisal prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (0.53 g/kg), phosphorus (38.3 mg/kg) and potassium (420 mg/kg) all meet Sisal's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Sisal, which favours sandy. Mandera receives approximately 180 mm/year — well below Sisal's minimum of 250 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 90/kg) and a typical 900 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Sisal crop here can gross roughly KES 81,000 per acre.