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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sunflower is the #12 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Mandera County. Sunflower's full potential is about 750 kg/acre (~KES 36,000/acre at KES 48/kg), but at Mandera's 11/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 103 kg/acre (~KES 4,944/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.