Growing Sesame (Simsim) in Wajir

Soil suitability analysis based on Wajir's nutrient profile

Wajir County is a challenging environment for Sesame (Simsim) (soil-match score 24/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.4 the soil sits above Sesame (Simsim)'s preferred 5.5–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.52 g/kg), phosphorus (39.3 mg/kg) and potassium (396 mg/kg) all meet Sesame (Simsim)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Sesame (Simsim), which favours sandy. Wajir receives approximately 200 mm/year — well below Sesame (Simsim)'s minimum of 300 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 350/kg) and a typical 180 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Sesame (Simsim) crop here can gross roughly KES 63,000 per acre.