Growing Cassava in Kiambu

Soil suitability analysis based on Kiambu's nutrient profile

Kiambu County is a solid choice for Cassava, with a soil-match score of 61/100. Local soils average pH 5.28 — moderately acidic and inside the 4.5–7 band Cassava prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.01 g/kg), phosphorus (13.7 mg/kg) and potassium (169 mg/kg) all meet Cassava's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Cassava prefers sandy soils, while Kiambu is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 1700 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 Kiambu's 61/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,575 kg/acre (~KES 68,625/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.