Growing Arrow Root in Baringo

Soil suitability analysis based on Baringo's nutrient profile

Arrow Root can be grown in Baringo County, but the soil scores 45/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 6.22 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7 band Arrow Root prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.32 g/kg), phosphorus (23.4 mg/kg) and potassium (212 mg/kg) all meet Arrow Root's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Arrow Root, which favours clay loam. Baringo receives approximately 700 mm/year — well below Arrow Root's minimum of 1000 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 55/kg) and a typical 4,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Arrow Root crop here can gross roughly KES 247,500 per acre.