Growing Sunflower in Nyeri

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyeri's nutrient profile

Sunflower can be grown in Nyeri County, but the soil scores 51/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.23 the soil is moderately acidic, below Sunflower's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.09 g/kg), phosphorus (15.5 mg/kg) and potassium (192 mg/kg) all meet Sunflower's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Sunflower prefers sandy soils, while Nyeri is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sunflower is the #82 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nyeri County. Sunflower's full potential is about 750 kg/acre (~KES 36,000/acre at KES 48/kg), but at Nyeri's 51/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 478 kg/acre (~KES 22,944/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Nyeri's soil: Macadamia, Pineapple, and Avocado — each scores higher on the same soil.