Growing Sunflower in Uasin Gishu
Soil suitability analysis based on Uasin Gishu's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Uasin Gishu is moderately suited to Sunflower. Uasin Gishu's soil (pH 6.39, slightly acidic) gives Sunflower a suitability score of 67/100. Match fertilizer to Uasin Gishu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Uasin Gishu County is a solid choice for Sunflower, with a soil-match score of 67/100. Local soils average pH 6.39 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 6–7.5 band Sunflower prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.56 g/kg), phosphorus (25.3 mg/kg) and potassium (227 mg/kg) all meet Sunflower's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Sunflower prefers sandy soils, while Uasin Gishu is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sunflower is the #71 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Uasin Gishu County. Sunflower's full potential is about 750 kg/acre (~KES 36,000/acre at KES 48/kg), but at Uasin Gishu's 67/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 628 kg/acre (~KES 30,144/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Uasin Gishu soil | Sunflower needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.39 | 6–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.56 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 25.3 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 227 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,100 mm | 400–800 mm | High |
| Altitude | 2,100 m | 0–2,000 m | High |
Planting calendar for Uasin Gishu
Long Rains· April–JuneMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Dry Season· February–April
Top dressing guide
Uasin Gishu's nitrogen (1.56 g/kg) already meets Sunflower's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Uasin Gishu's 2,100 m altitude and 1,100 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag