Growing Cotton in Samburu

Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile

Samburu County is a challenging environment for Cotton (soil-match score 38/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.28 the soil sits above Cotton's preferred 5.8–8 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.67 g/kg, P 42.1 mg/kg, K 387 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Cotton prefers clay soils, while Samburu is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Cotton's full potential is about 900 kg/acre (~KES 61,200/acre at KES 68/kg), but at Samburu's 38/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 428 kg/acre (~KES 29,104/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.