Growing Cotton in Nyandarua

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile

Nyandarua County is a challenging environment for Cotton (soil-match score 29/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.38 the soil is moderately acidic, below Cotton's preferred 5.8–8 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.28 g/kg), phosphorus (14 mg/kg) and potassium (166 mg/kg) all meet Cotton's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay soils suit Cotton, which favours clay. At 2300 m, the county sits above Cotton's preferred altitude ceiling of 1500 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. Cotton's full potential is about 900 kg/acre (~KES 61,200/acre at KES 68/kg), but at Nyandarua's 29/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 326 kg/acre (~KES 22,168/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.