Growing Cotton in Siaya
Soil suitability analysis based on Siaya's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Siaya is moderately suited to Cotton. Siaya's soil (pH 5.33, strongly acidic) gives Cotton a suitability score of 65/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cotton is the #54 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Siaya County. 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.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Siaya soil | Cotton needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.33 | 5.8–8 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.2 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 12.1 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 134 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 450–1,200 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 0–1,500 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Siaya's nitrogen (1.2 g/kg) already meets Cotton's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Siaya
Varieties suited to Siaya's 1,200 m altitude and 1,200 mm annual rainfall — 1 of 2 cotton varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag