Growing Cotton in Marsabit

Soil suitability analysis based on Marsabit's nutrient profile

Marsabit County is a challenging environment for Cotton (soil-match score 28/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.22 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 0.52 g/kg, P 37.3 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 Marsabit is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Marsabit receives approximately 300 mm/year — well below Cotton's minimum of 450 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cotton is the #22 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Marsabit County. Cotton's full potential is about 900 kg/acre (~KES 61,200/acre at KES 68/kg), but at Marsabit's 28/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 315 kg/acre (~KES 21,420/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

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