Growing Sisal in Nandi
Soil suitability analysis based on Nandi's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Nandi is poorly suited to Sisal. Nandi's soil (pH 6.17, slightly acidic) gives Sisal a suitability score of 37/100. Match fertilizer to Nandi's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Nandi County is a challenging environment for Sisal (soil-match score 37/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.17 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–8.5 band Sisal prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.37 g/kg), phosphorus (26.4 mg/kg) and potassium (207 mg/kg) all meet Sisal's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Sisal prefers sandy soils, while Nandi is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sisal is the #99 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nandi County. Sisal's full potential is about 1,000 kg/acre (~KES 90,000/acre at KES 90/kg), but at Nandi's 37/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 463 kg/acre (~KES 41,670/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Nandi's soil: Garden Peas, Maize, and Kale (Sukuma Wiki) — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nandi soil | Sisal needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.17 | 5.5–8.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.37 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 26.4 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 207 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 250–700 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,900 m | 0–1,800 m | High |
Top dressing guide
Nandi's nitrogen reads 1.37 g/kg, but the rate stays at zero: Sisal is not top-dressed, for the crop-specific reason above.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Nandi's 1,900 m altitude and 1,400 mm rainfall, so all 1 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag