Growing Sesame (Simsim) in Siaya

Soil suitability analysis based on Siaya's nutrient profile

Siaya County is a solid choice for Sesame (Simsim), with a soil-match score of 61/100. At an average pH of 5.33 the soil is moderately acidic, below Sesame (Simsim)'s preferred 5.5–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.2 g/kg), phosphorus (12.1 mg/kg) and potassium (134 mg/kg) all meet Sesame (Simsim)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Sesame (Simsim) prefers sandy soils, while Siaya is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. 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.