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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cassava is the #27 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Garissa County. Cassava's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 90,000/acre at KES 15/kg), but at Garissa's 14/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,050 kg/acre (~KES 15,750/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Garissa's soil: Sisal, Aloe Vera, and Green Grams — each scores higher on the same soil.