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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cotton is the #15 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Wajir County. Cotton's full potential is about 900 kg/acre (~KES 61,200/acre at KES 68/kg), but at Wajir's 11/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 124 kg/acre (~KES 8,432/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Wajir's soil: Sisal, Aloe Vera, and Green Grams — each scores higher on the same soil.