Growing Sesame (Simsim) in Nakuru
Soil suitability analysis based on Nakuru's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Nakuru is moderately suited to Sesame (Simsim). Nakuru's soil (pH 6.28, slightly acidic) gives Sesame (Simsim) a suitability score of 74/100. Match fertilizer to Nakuru's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Nakuru County is a solid choice for Sesame (Simsim), with a soil-match score of 74/100. Local soils average pH 6.28 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–7 band Sesame (Simsim) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.59 g/kg), phosphorus (25.2 mg/kg) and potassium (239 mg/kg) all meet Sesame (Simsim)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Sesame (Simsim) prefers sandy soils, while Nakuru is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sesame (Simsim) is the #80 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nakuru County. At current prices (about KES 350/kg) and a typical 250 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Sesame (Simsim) crop here can gross roughly KES 87,500 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nakuru soil | Sesame (Simsim) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.28 | 5.5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.59 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 25.2 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 239 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 300–800 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,750 m | 0–1,600 m | High |
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag