Growing Sweet Potato in Isiolo

Soil suitability analysis based on Isiolo's nutrient profile

Isiolo County is a challenging environment for Sweet Potato (soil-match score 19/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.83 the soil sits above Sweet Potato'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/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Sweet Potato, which favours sandy loam. Isiolo receives approximately 350 mm/year — well below Sweet Potato's minimum of 600 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sweet Potato is the #55 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Isiolo County. Sweet Potato's full potential is about 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 90,000/acre at KES 18/kg), but at Isiolo's 19/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,188 kg/acre (~KES 21,384/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.