Growing Yams in Kitui

Soil suitability analysis based on Kitui's nutrient profile

Kitui County is a challenging environment for Yams (soil-match score 13/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.03 the soil sits above Yams's preferred 5.5–6.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.74 g/kg, P 30.5 mg/kg, K 339 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Yams, which favours sandy loam. Kitui receives approximately 500 mm/year — well below Yams's minimum of 1200 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Yams is the #93 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kitui County. Yams's full potential is about 7,000 kg/acre (~KES 560,000/acre at KES 80/kg), but at Kitui's 13/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,138 kg/acre (~KES 91,040/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Kitui's soil: Mango, Sisal, and Moringa — each scores higher on the same soil.