Growing Sesame (Simsim) in Uasin Gishu

Soil suitability analysis based on Uasin Gishu's nutrient profile

Uasin Gishu County is a challenging environment for Sesame (Simsim) (soil-match score 44/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.39 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–7 band Sesame (Simsim) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.56 g/kg), phosphorus (25.3 mg/kg) and potassium (227 mg/kg) all meet Sesame (Simsim)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Sesame (Simsim) prefers sandy soils, while Uasin Gishu is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 2100 m, the county sits above Sesame (Simsim)'s preferred altitude ceiling of 1600 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sesame (Simsim) is the #92 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Uasin Gishu County. Sesame (Simsim)'s full potential is about 250 kg/acre (~KES 87,500/acre at KES 350/kg), but at Uasin Gishu's 44/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 138 kg/acre (~KES 48,300/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Uasin Gishu's soil: Beans, Snow Peas, and Napier Grass — each scores higher on the same soil.