Growing Cotton in Siaya

Soil suitability analysis based on Siaya's nutrient profile

Siaya County is a solid choice for Cotton, with a soil-match score of 65/100. At an average pH of 5.33 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. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 1.2 g/kg, P 12.1 mg/kg, K 134 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Cotton, which favours clay. Cotton's full potential is about 900 kg/acre (~KES 61,200/acre at KES 68/kg), but at Siaya's 65/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 731 kg/acre (~KES 49,708/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.