Growing Potato in Kajiado

Soil suitability analysis based on Kajiado's nutrient profile

Kajiado County is a challenging environment for Potato (soil-match score 29/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 6.55 the soil sits above Potato's preferred 4.8–6.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.97 g/kg, P 20.6 mg/kg, K 257 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Potato, which favours sandy loam. Kajiado receives approximately 500 mm/year — well below Potato's minimum of 700 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Potato is the #85 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kajiado County. Potato's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 304,000/acre at KES 38/kg), but at Kajiado's 29/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,900 kg/acre (~KES 110,200/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Kajiado's soil: Sorghum, Cowpeas, and Pigeon Peas — each scores higher on the same soil.