Growing Yams in Garissa

Soil suitability analysis based on Garissa's nutrient profile

Garissa County is a challenging environment for Yams (soil-match score 2/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.96 the soil sits above Yams's preferred 5.5–6.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.61 g/kg, P 37.7 mg/kg, K 407 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Yams, which favours sandy loam. Garissa receives approximately 250 mm/year — well below Yams's minimum of 1200 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Yams is the #63 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Garissa County. Yams's full potential is about 7,000 kg/acre (~KES 560,000/acre at KES 80/kg), but at Garissa's 2/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 175 kg/acre (~KES 14,000/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.