Growing Sunflower in Narok
Soil suitability analysis based on Narok's nutrient profile
Narok County is well suited to Sunflower, scoring 87/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 6.13 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 6–7.5 band Sunflower prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.63 g/kg), phosphorus (25.7 mg/kg) and potassium (234 mg/kg) all meet Sunflower's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Sunflower prefers sandy soils, while Narok is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At current prices (about KES 48/kg) and a typical 750 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Sunflower crop here can gross roughly KES 36,000 per acre.
Soil match analysis
| Nutrient | Narok soil | Sunflower needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.13 | 6–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.63 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 25.7 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 234 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag