Growing Cotton in Nairobi
Soil suitability analysis based on Nairobi's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Nairobi is moderately suited to Cotton. Nairobi's soil (pH 6.85, near-neutral) gives Cotton a suitability score of 73/100. Match fertilizer to Nairobi's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Nairobi County is a solid choice for Cotton, with a soil-match score of 73/100. Local soils average pH 6.85 — neutral and inside the 5.8–8 band Cotton prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.1 g/kg), phosphorus (22.1 mg/kg) and potassium (236 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 #75 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nairobi County. At current prices (about KES 68/kg) and a typical 900 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Cotton crop here can gross roughly KES 61,200 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nairobi soil | Cotton needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.85 | 5.8–8 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.1 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 22.1 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 236 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 450–1,200 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 0–1,500 m | High |
Top dressing guide
Nairobi's nitrogen (1.1 g/kg) already meets Cotton's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Nairobi
2 cotton varieties are rated for Nairobi's altitude (1,700 m) and rainfall (900 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag