Growing Cassava in Isiolo

Soil suitability analysis based on Isiolo's nutrient profile

Isiolo County is a challenging environment for Cassava (soil-match score 27/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.83 the soil sits above Cassava's preferred 4.5–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.46 g/kg, P 37.4 mg/kg, K 395 mg/kg against this crop's low/low/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Cassava, which favours sandy. Isiolo receives approximately 350 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 #37 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Isiolo County. Cassava's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 90,000/acre at KES 15/kg), but at Isiolo's 27/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,025 kg/acre (~KES 30,375/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

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