Growing Sunflower in Meru

Soil suitability analysis based on Meru's nutrient profile

Meru County is a challenging environment for Sunflower (soil-match score 39/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 4.88 the soil is strongly acidic, below Sunflower's preferred 6–7.5 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 Sunflower's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Sunflower prefers sandy soils, while Meru is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Sunflower's full potential is about 750 kg/acre (~KES 36,000/acre at KES 48/kg), but at Meru's 39/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 366 kg/acre (~KES 17,568/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.