Growing Arrow Root in Kisumu
Soil suitability analysis based on Kisumu's nutrient profile
Yes — Kisumu is well suited to Arrow Root. Kisumu's soil (pH 5.54, slightly acidic) gives Arrow Root a suitability score of 87/100. Match fertilizer to Kisumu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kisumu County is well suited to Arrow Root, scoring 87/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 5.54 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7 band Arrow Root prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 0.91 g/kg, P 12.5 mg/kg, K 166 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay soils suit Arrow Root, which favours clay loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Arrow Root is the #11 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kisumu County. At current prices (about KES 55/kg) and a typical 5,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Arrow Root crop here can gross roughly KES 275,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kisumu soil | Arrow Root needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.54 | 5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.91 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 12.5 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 166 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 1,000–2,000 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,150 m | 0–1,800 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Kisumu's nitrogen (0.91 g/kg) already meets Arrow Root's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Kisumu's 1,150 m altitude and 1,200 mm rainfall, so all 1 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag