Growing Cashew Nuts in Bomet
Soil suitability analysis based on Bomet's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Bomet is poorly suited to Cashew Nuts. Bomet's soil (pH 6.02, slightly acidic) gives Cashew Nuts a suitability score of 6/100. Match fertilizer to Bomet's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Bomet County is a challenging environment for Cashew Nuts (soil-match score 6/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.02 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7.5 band Cashew Nuts prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.38 g/kg), phosphorus (23.6 mg/kg) and potassium (237 mg/kg) all meet Cashew Nuts's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Cashew Nuts prefers sandy soils, while Bomet is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 1900 m, the county sits above Cashew Nuts's preferred altitude ceiling of 500 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cashew Nuts is the #105 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Bomet County. Cashew Nuts's full potential is about 900 kg/acre (~KES 247,500/acre at KES 275/kg), but at Bomet's 6/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 68 kg/acre (~KES 18,700/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Bomet's soil: Wambugu Apples, Kale (Sukuma Wiki), and Garden Peas — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Bomet soil | Cashew Nuts needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.02 | 5–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.38 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 23.6 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 237 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,500 mm | 600–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,900 m | 0–500 m | High |
Planting calendar for Bomet
Long Rains· April–JuneMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Dry Season· February–April
Top dressing guide
Bomet's nitrogen (1.38 g/kg) already meets Cashew Nuts's 0.5 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Bomet's 1,900 m altitude and 1,500 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag