Growing Cashew Nuts in Baringo
Soil suitability analysis based on Baringo's nutrient profile
Baringo County is a solid choice for Cashew Nuts, with a soil-match score of 67/100. Local soils average pH 6.22 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7.5 band Cashew Nuts prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.32 g/kg), phosphorus (23.4 mg/kg) and potassium (212 mg/kg) all meet Cashew Nuts's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Cashew Nuts prefers sandy soils, while Baringo is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 900 m, the county sits above Cashew Nuts's preferred altitude ceiling of 700 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. At current prices (about KES 275/kg) and a typical 900 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Cashew Nuts crop here can gross roughly KES 247,500 per acre.
Soil match analysis
| Nutrient | Baringo soil | Cashew Nuts needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.22 | 5–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.32 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 23.4 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 212 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag