Growing Sisal in Nyamira

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyamira's nutrient profile

Nyamira County is a challenging environment for Sisal (soil-match score 35/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 5.58 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–8.5 band Sisal prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (0.84 g/kg), phosphorus (11.6 mg/kg) and potassium (148 mg/kg) all meet Sisal's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Sisal prefers sandy soils, while Nyamira is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Sisal's full potential is about 1,000 kg/acre (~KES 90,000/acre at KES 90/kg), but at Nyamira's 35/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 438 kg/acre (~KES 39,420/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

35Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorNyamira soilSisal needsStatus
pH5.585.58.5OK
Nitrogen0.84 g/kgmin 0.5 g/kgOK
Phosphorus11.6 mg/kgmin 6 mg/kgOK
Potassium148 mg/kgmin 100 mg/kgOK
Rainfall1,600 mm250–700 mmHigh
Altitude1,700 m0–1,800 mOK

Top dressing guide

Product
None
Timing
None required
Instruction
Sisal is extremely low-input. No fertilizer top dressing needed.
Bags per Acre
0

Recommended seed varieties

Hybrid 11648Dryland/Coastal
KALRO · 730-1000 days · 400–600 kg/acre
High fibre yield; resistant to zebra disease.

Economics

Market priceKES 90/kg
Expected yield in Nyamira438 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 39,420/acre
Adjusted for Nyamira's 35/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Sisal can reach 1,000 kg/acre (~KES 90,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureSandy

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag