Growing Cotton in Nyamira
Soil suitability analysis based on Nyamira's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Nyamira is only marginally suited to Cotton. Nyamira's soil (pH 5.58, slightly acidic) gives Cotton a suitability score of 44/100. Match fertilizer to Nyamira's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Nyamira County is a challenging environment for Cotton (soil-match score 44/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.58 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Cotton's preferred 5.8–8 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 0.84 g/kg, P 11.6 mg/kg, K 148 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Cotton, which favours clay. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cotton is the #76 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nyamira County. Cotton's full potential is about 900 kg/acre (~KES 61,200/acre at KES 68/kg), but at Nyamira's 44/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 495 kg/acre (~KES 33,660/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Nyamira's soil: Sweet Potato, Soybeans, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nyamira soil | Cotton needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.58 | 5.8–8 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.84 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 11.6 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 148 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,600 mm | 450–1,200 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 0–1,500 m | High |
Top dressing guide
Nyamira's nitrogen (0.84 g/kg) already meets Cotton's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Nyamira
Varieties suited to Nyamira's 1,700 m altitude and 1,600 mm annual rainfall — 1 of 2 cotton varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag