Growing Cassava in Elgeyo Marakwet

Soil suitability analysis based on Elgeyo Marakwet's nutrient profile

Cassava can be grown in Elgeyo Marakwet County, but the soil scores 54/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 6.27 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 4.5–7 band Cassava prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.39 g/kg), phosphorus (22.2 mg/kg) and potassium (213 mg/kg) all meet Cassava's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Cassava prefers sandy soils, while Elgeyo Marakwet is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 1800 m, the county sits above Cassava's preferred altitude ceiling of 1400 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. Cassava's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 90,000/acre at KES 15/kg), but at Elgeyo Marakwet's 54/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,050 kg/acre (~KES 60,750/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.