Growing Sunflower in Nyamira

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyamira's nutrient profile

Nyamira County is a challenging environment for Sunflower (soil-match score 36/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.58 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Sunflower's preferred 6–7.5 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. Sunflower prefers sandy soils, while Nyamira 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 Nyamira's 36/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 338 kg/acre (~KES 16,224/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

36Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorNyamira soilSunflower needsStatus
pH5.5867.5Adjust
Nitrogen0.84 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgOK
Phosphorus11.6 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgLow
Potassium148 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgLow
Rainfall1,600 mm400–800 mmHigh
Altitude1,700 m0–2,000 mOK

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Sowing & Basal Fertilizer
Month 2
Top Dressing & Weed Control
Month 3
Head Development & Bird Protection

Short Rains

Month 1
Sowing & Basal Fertilizer
Month 2
Top Dressing & 1st Weeding
Month 3
Harvesting & Drying

Dry Season

Month 1
Harvesting & Threshing
Month 2
Land Resting
Month 3
Seed Selection & Storage

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 4–5 after emergence
Instruction
Apply at vegetative stage before flower bud initiation.
Bags per Acre
0.5

Recommended seed varieties

Kenya FedhaMedium/Dryland
Kenya Seed Company · 90-110 days · 8-12 bags/acre
High oil content (40-45%); resistant to downy mildew.
H8998Medium
Pannar Seeds · 85-100 days · 10-14 bags/acre
Hybrid; very high oil yield; uniform heads.

Economics

Market priceKES 48/kg
Expected yield in Nyamira338 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 16,224/acre
Adjusted for Nyamira's 36/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Sunflower can reach 750 kg/acre (~KES 36,000/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