Growing Sunflower in Nandi

Soil suitability analysis based on Nandi's nutrient profile

Sunflower can be grown in Nandi County, but the soil scores 55/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 6.17 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 6–7.5 band Sunflower prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.37 g/kg), phosphorus (26.4 mg/kg) and potassium (207 mg/kg) all meet Sunflower's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Sunflower prefers sandy soils, while Nandi is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Sunflower's full potential is about 750 kg/acre (~KES 36,000/acre at KES 48/kg), but at Nandi's 55/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 516 kg/acre (~KES 24,768/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.