Growing Cotton in Vihiga

Soil suitability analysis based on Vihiga's nutrient profile

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. 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.