Growing Cotton in Nyandarua
Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Nyandarua is poorly suited to Cotton. Nyandarua's soil (pH 5.38, strongly acidic) gives Cotton a suitability score of 29/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cotton is the #93 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nyandarua County. 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.
Better matched to Nyandarua's soil: Tea, Pyrethrum, and Potato — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nyandarua soil | Cotton needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.38 | 5.8–8 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.28 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 14 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 166 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,100 mm | 450–1,200 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 2,300 m | 0–1,500 m | High |
Top dressing guide
Nyandarua's nitrogen (1.28 g/kg) already meets Cotton's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Nyandarua's 2,300 m altitude and 1,100 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag