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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sesame (Simsim) is the #9 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Wajir County. Sesame (Simsim)'s full potential is about 250 kg/acre (~KES 87,500/acre at KES 350/kg), but at Wajir's 24/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 75 kg/acre (~KES 26,250/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.