Growing Sorghum in Samburu

Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile

Sorghum can be grown in Samburu County, but the soil scores 58/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 8.28 the soil sits above Sorghum's preferred 5–8 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 Sorghum's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Sorghum prefers clay soils, while Samburu is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At current prices (about KES 68/kg) and a typical 1,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Sorghum crop here can gross roughly KES 68,000 per acre.