Growing Sunflower in Mandera

Soil suitability analysis based on Mandera's nutrient profile

Mandera County is a challenging environment for Sunflower (soil-match score 11/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.38 the soil sits above Sunflower's preferred 6–7.5 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. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Sunflower, which favours sandy. Mandera receives approximately 180 mm/year — well below Sunflower's minimum of 400 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 48/kg) and a typical 750 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Sunflower crop here can gross roughly KES 36,000 per acre.