Growing Taro (Nduma) in Kilifi
Soil suitability analysis based on Kilifi's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Kilifi is only marginally suited to Taro (Nduma). Kilifi's soil (pH 6.24, slightly acidic) gives Taro (Nduma) a suitability score of 42/100. Match fertilizer to Kilifi's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kilifi County is a challenging environment for Taro (Nduma) (soil-match score 42/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.24 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–6.5 band Taro (Nduma) prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 0.8 g/kg, P 11 mg/kg, K 109 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Taro (Nduma), which favours loam. Kilifi receives approximately 700 mm/year — well below Taro (Nduma)'s minimum of 1000 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Taro (Nduma) is the #55 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kilifi County. Taro (Nduma)'s full potential is about 7,000 kg/acre (~KES 630,000/acre at KES 90/kg), but at Kilifi's 42/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,675 kg/acre (~KES 330,750/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Kilifi's soil: Sesame (Simsim), Sorghum, and Finger Millet — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kilifi soil | Taro (Nduma) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.24 | 5.5–6.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.8 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 11 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 109 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 700 mm | 1,000–1,500 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 150 m | 0–1,850 m | OK |
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag