Growing Sugarcane in Nyamira

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyamira's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Yes, with the right inputs — Nyamira is moderately suited to Sugarcane. Nyamira's soil (pH 5.58, slightly acidic) gives Sugarcane a suitability score of 60/100. Match fertilizer to Nyamira's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.

Nyamira County is a solid choice for Sugarcane, with a soil-match score of 60/100. Local soils average pH 5.58 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–7 band Sugarcane prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 0.84 g/kg, P 11.6 mg/kg, K 148 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Sugarcane, which favours loam. Sugarcane's full potential is about 27,000 kg/acre (~KES 135,000/acre at KES 5/kg), but at Nyamira's 60/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 20,250 kg/acre (~KES 101,250/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

60Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorNyamira soilSugarcane needsStatus
pH5.585.57OK
Nitrogen0.84 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgLow
Phosphorus11.6 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgLow
Potassium148 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgLow
Rainfall1,600 mm1,100–2,000 mmOK
Altitude1,700 m0–1,500 mHigh

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
3-4 months after planting
Instruction
Apply at grand growth stage when cane is actively elongating. One application is sufficient per ratoon.
Bags per Acre
1

Recommended seed varieties

CO 421Dryland/Medium
KESREF · 365-540 days · 36–54 tons/acre
Medium staple; high sucrose content; adapted to western Kenya.
N14Medium
KESREF · 365-540 days · 40.5–58.5 tons/acre
High yielding; good ratoon ability; widely grown in Nyanza and Western.

Economics

Market priceKES 5/kg
Expected yield in Nyamira20,250 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 101,250/acre
Adjusted for Nyamira's 60/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Sugarcane can reach 27,000 kg/acre (~KES 135,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureLoam

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