Growing Cotton in Tana River
Soil suitability analysis based on Tana River's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Tana River is moderately suited to Cotton. Tana River's soil (pH 6.4, slightly acidic) gives Cotton a suitability score of 64/100. Match fertilizer to Tana River's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Tana River County is a solid choice for Cotton, with a soil-match score of 64/100. Local soils average pH 6.4 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.8–8 band Cotton prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 1.04 g/kg, P 8.5 mg/kg, K 108 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Cotton prefers clay soils, while Tana River is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cotton is the #15 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Tana River County. Cotton's full potential is about 900 kg/acre (~KES 61,200/acre at KES 68/kg), but at Tana River's 64/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 720 kg/acre (~KES 48,960/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Tana River soil | Cotton needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.4 | 5.8–8 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.04 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 8.5 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 108 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 400 mm | 450–1,200 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 200 m | 0–1,500 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Tana River's nitrogen (1.04 g/kg) already meets Cotton's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Tana River
Varieties suited to Tana River's 200 m altitude and 400 mm annual rainfall — 2 of 2 cotton varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag