Growing Taro (Nduma) in Kericho
Soil suitability analysis based on Kericho's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kericho is moderately suited to Taro (Nduma). Kericho's soil (pH 5.94, slightly acidic) gives Taro (Nduma) a suitability score of 72/100. Match fertilizer to Kericho's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kericho County is a solid choice for Taro (Nduma), with a soil-match score of 72/100. Local soils average pH 5.94 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–6.5 band Taro (Nduma) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.34 g/kg), phosphorus (23.7 mg/kg) and potassium (225 mg/kg) all meet Taro (Nduma)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Taro (Nduma) prefers loam soils, while Kericho is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Taro (Nduma) is the #34 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kericho County. At current prices (about KES 90/kg) and a typical 7,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Taro (Nduma) crop here can gross roughly KES 630,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kericho soil | Taro (Nduma) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.94 | 5.5–6.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.34 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 23.7 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 225 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,800 mm | 1,000–1,500 mm | High |
| Altitude | 2,000 m | 0–1,850 m | High |
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag