Growing Cotton in Migori

Soil suitability analysis based on Migori's nutrient profile

Migori County is a solid choice for Cotton, with a soil-match score of 62/100. At an average pH of 5.43 the soil is moderately acidic, below Cotton's preferred 5.8–8 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.2 g/kg), phosphorus (12.2 mg/kg) and potassium (169 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. Cotton's full potential is about 900 kg/acre (~KES 61,200/acre at KES 68/kg), but at Migori's 62/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 698 kg/acre (~KES 47,464/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

62Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorMigori soilCotton needsStatus
pH5.435.88Adjust
Nitrogen1.2 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgOK
Phosphorus12.2 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium169 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK
Rainfall1,400 mm450–1,200 mmHigh
Altitude1,300 m0–1,500 mOK

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 4–6 after emergence
Instruction
Apply at squaring stage for boll development.
Bags per Acre
0.5

Recommended seed varieties

KSA 81MDryland/Medium
KALRO · 150-180 days · 10-15 bags/acre
Medium staple; adapted to western Kenya conditions.
HART 89MDryland
KALRO · 140-170 days · 8-12 bags/acre
Good lint quality; tolerant to bacterial blight.

Economics

Market priceKES 68/kg
Expected yield in Migori698 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 47,464/acre
Adjusted for Migori's 62/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Cotton can reach 900 kg/acre (~KES 61,200/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureClay

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag