Growing Sesame (Simsim) in Turkana
Soil suitability analysis based on Turkana's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Turkana is moderately suited to Sesame (Simsim). Turkana's soil (pH 7.95, alkaline) gives Sesame (Simsim) a suitability score of 56/100. Match fertilizer to Turkana's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Sesame (Simsim) can be grown in Turkana County, but the soil scores 56/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 7.95 the soil sits above Sesame (Simsim)'s preferred 5.5–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.41 g/kg, P 38.5 mg/kg, K 417 mg/kg against this crop's low/low/low demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Sesame (Simsim), which favours sandy. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sesame (Simsim) is the #9 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Turkana County. Sesame (Simsim)'s full potential is about 250 kg/acre (~KES 87,500/acre at KES 350/kg), but at Turkana's 56/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 175 kg/acre (~KES 61,250/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Turkana's soil: Sisal, Aloe Vera, and Green Grams — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Turkana soil | Sesame (Simsim) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.95 | 5.5–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.41 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 38.5 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 417 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 300 mm | 300–800 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 400 m | 0–1,600 m | OK |
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag