Growing Taro (Nduma) in Baringo

Soil suitability analysis based on Baringo's nutrient profile

Taro (Nduma) 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 5.5–6.5 band Taro (Nduma) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.32 g/kg), phosphorus (23.4 mg/kg) and potassium (212 mg/kg) all meet Taro (Nduma)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Taro (Nduma), which favours loam. Baringo receives approximately 700 mm/year — well below Taro (Nduma)'s minimum of 1000 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 90/kg) and a typical 8,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Taro (Nduma) crop here can gross roughly KES 720,000 per acre.