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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sunflower is the #93 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nyamira County. 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.

Better matched to Nyamira's soil: Sweet Potato, Soybeans, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.