Growing Cotton in Vihiga
Soil suitability analysis based on Vihiga's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Vihiga is only marginally suited to Cotton. Vihiga's soil (pH 5.62, slightly acidic) gives Cotton a suitability score of 42/100. Match fertilizer to Vihiga's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Vihiga County is a challenging environment for Cotton (soil-match score 42/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.62 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Cotton's preferred 5.8–8 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.02 g/kg), phosphorus (14.8 mg/kg) and potassium (164 mg/kg) all meet Cotton's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Cotton, which favours clay. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cotton is the #75 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Vihiga County. Cotton's full potential is about 900 kg/acre (~KES 61,200/acre at KES 68/kg), but at Vihiga's 42/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 473 kg/acre (~KES 32,164/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Vihiga's soil: Sweet Potato, Soybeans, and Coffee (Arabica) — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Vihiga soil | Cotton needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.62 | 5.8–8 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.02 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 14.8 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 164 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,800 mm | 450–1,200 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 0–1,500 m | High |
Top dressing guide
Vihiga's nitrogen (1.02 g/kg) already meets Cotton's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Vihiga
Varieties suited to Vihiga's 1,700 m altitude and 1,800 mm annual rainfall — 1 of 2 cotton varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag