Growing Sunflower in Murang'a

Soil suitability analysis based on Murang'a's nutrient profile

Sunflower can be grown in Murang'a County, but the soil scores 47/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.03 the soil is moderately acidic, below Sunflower's preferred 6–7.5 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 (168 mg/kg) all meet Sunflower's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Sunflower prefers sandy soils, while Murang'a is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sunflower is the #83 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Murang'a County. Sunflower's full potential is about 750 kg/acre (~KES 36,000/acre at KES 48/kg), but at Murang'a's 47/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 441 kg/acre (~KES 21,168/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Murang'a's soil: Tea, Macadamia, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.