Growing Sunflower in Marsabit

Soil suitability analysis based on Marsabit's nutrient profile

Marsabit County is a challenging environment for Sunflower (soil-match score 33/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.22 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 0.52 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. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Sunflower, which favours sandy. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sunflower is the #19 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Marsabit County. Sunflower's full potential is about 750 kg/acre (~KES 36,000/acre at KES 48/kg), but at Marsabit's 33/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 309 kg/acre (~KES 14,832/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.