Growing Sesame (Simsim) in Samburu

Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile

Sesame (Simsim) can be grown in Samburu County, but the soil scores 55/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 8.28 the soil sits above Sesame (Simsim)'s preferred 5.5–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.67 g/kg), phosphorus (42.1 mg/kg) and potassium (387 mg/kg) all meet Sesame (Simsim)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Sesame (Simsim), which favours sandy. At current prices (about KES 350/kg) and a typical 180 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Sesame (Simsim) crop here can gross roughly KES 63,000 per acre.