Growing Sesame (Simsim) in Tharaka Nithi
Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Tharaka Nithi is moderately suited to Sesame (Simsim). Tharaka Nithi's soil (pH 4.99, strongly acidic) gives Sesame (Simsim) a suitability score of 69/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Tharaka Nithi County is a solid choice for Sesame (Simsim), with a soil-match score of 69/100. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Sesame (Simsim)'s preferred 5.5–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.23 g/kg), phosphorus (19.6 mg/kg) and potassium (211 mg/kg) all meet Sesame (Simsim)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Sesame (Simsim), which favours sandy. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sesame (Simsim) is the #21 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Tharaka Nithi County. Sesame (Simsim)'s full potential is about 250 kg/acre (~KES 87,500/acre at KES 350/kg), but at Tharaka Nithi's 69/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 216 kg/acre (~KES 75,600/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Tharaka Nithi soil | Sesame (Simsim) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.99 | 5.5–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.23 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 19.6 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 211 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 300–800 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,100 m | 0–1,600 m | OK |
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag