Growing Cassava in Garissa

Soil suitability analysis based on Garissa's nutrient profile

Garissa County is a challenging environment for Cassava (soil-match score 14/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.96 the soil sits above Cassava's preferred 4.5–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.61 g/kg), phosphorus (37.7 mg/kg) and potassium (407 mg/kg) all meet Cassava's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Cassava, which favours sandy. Garissa receives approximately 250 mm/year — well below Cassava's minimum of 500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 15/kg) and a typical 4,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Cassava crop here can gross roughly KES 60,000 per acre.