Growing Cotton in Wajir

Soil suitability analysis based on Wajir's nutrient profile

Wajir County is a challenging environment for Cotton (soil-match score 11/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.4 the soil sits above Cotton's preferred 5.8–8 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.52 g/kg, P 39.3 mg/kg, K 396 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Cotton prefers clay soils, while Wajir is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Wajir receives approximately 200 mm/year — well below Cotton's minimum of 450 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 68/kg) and a typical 900 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Cotton crop here can gross roughly KES 61,200 per acre.