Growing Cassava in Bomet

Soil suitability analysis based on Bomet's nutrient profile

Cassava can be grown in Bomet County, but the soil scores 50/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 6.02 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 4.5–7 band Cassava prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.38 g/kg), phosphorus (23.6 mg/kg) and potassium (237 mg/kg) all meet Cassava's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Cassava 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 Cassava's preferred altitude ceiling of 1400 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cassava is the #82 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Bomet County. Cassava's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 90,000/acre at KES 15/kg), but at Bomet's 50/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,750 kg/acre (~KES 56,250/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.