Growing Arrow Root in Baringo
Soil suitability analysis based on Baringo's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Baringo is only marginally suited to Arrow Root. Baringo's soil (pH 6.22, slightly acidic) gives Arrow Root a suitability score of 45/100. Match fertilizer to Baringo's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Arrow Root is the #77 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Baringo County. Arrow Root's full potential is about 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 275,000/acre at KES 55/kg), but at Baringo's 45/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,813 kg/acre (~KES 154,715/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Baringo's soil: Sesame (Simsim), Finger Millet, and Groundnuts — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Baringo soil | Arrow Root needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.22 | 5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.32 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 23.4 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 212 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 700 mm | 1,000–2,000 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 900 m | 0–1,800 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Baringo's nitrogen (1.32 g/kg) already meets Arrow Root's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Baringo's 900 m altitude and 700 mm rainfall, so all 1 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag