Growing Cotton in Meru
Soil suitability analysis based on Meru's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Meru is moderately suited to Cotton. Meru's soil (pH 4.88, strongly acidic) gives Cotton a suitability score of 56/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Cotton can be grown in Meru County, but the soil scores 56/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 4.88 the soil is strongly acidic, below Cotton's preferred 5.8–8 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.22 g/kg), phosphorus (20.3 mg/kg) and potassium (218 mg/kg) all meet Cotton's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Cotton, which favours clay. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cotton is the #61 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Meru County. Cotton's full potential is about 900 kg/acre (~KES 61,200/acre at KES 68/kg), but at Meru's 56/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 630 kg/acre (~KES 42,840/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Meru's soil: Tea, Avocado, and Macadamia — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Meru soil | Cotton needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.88 | 5.8–8 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.22 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 20.3 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 218 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 450–1,200 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–1,500 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Meru's nitrogen (1.22 g/kg) already meets Cotton's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Meru
Varieties suited to Meru's 1,500 m altitude and 1,400 mm annual rainfall — 1 of 2 cotton varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag