Growing Arrow Root in Kwale
Soil suitability analysis based on Kwale's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kwale is moderately suited to Arrow Root. Kwale's soil (pH 6.76, near-neutral) gives Arrow Root a suitability score of 63/100. Match fertilizer to Kwale's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kwale County is a solid choice for Arrow Root, with a soil-match score of 63/100. Local soils average pH 6.76 — neutral and inside the 5–7 band Arrow Root prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 0.93 g/kg, P 9.8 mg/kg, K 131 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Arrow Root prefers clay loam soils, while Kwale is largely sandy loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Arrow Root's full potential is about 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 275,000/acre at KES 55/kg), but at Kwale's 63/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,938 kg/acre (~KES 216,590/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kwale soil | Arrow Root needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.76 | 5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.93 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 9.8 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 131 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 1,000–2,000 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 200 m | 0–1,800 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag