Growing Cassava in Kericho

Soil suitability analysis based on Kericho's nutrient profile

Kericho County is a challenging environment for Cassava (soil-match score 41/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 5.94 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 4.5–7 band Cassava prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.34 g/kg), phosphorus (23.7 mg/kg) and potassium (225 mg/kg) all meet Cassava's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Cassava prefers sandy soils, while Kericho is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 2000 m, the county sits above Cassava's preferred altitude ceiling of 1400 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. Cassava's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 90,000/acre at KES 15/kg), but at Kericho's 41/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,075 kg/acre (~KES 46,125/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.