Growing Taro (Nduma) in Kwale
Soil suitability analysis based on Kwale's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kwale is moderately suited to Taro (Nduma). Kwale's soil (pH 6.76, near-neutral) gives Taro (Nduma) a suitability score of 64/100. Match fertilizer to Kwale's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kwale County is a solid choice for Taro (Nduma), with a soil-match score of 64/100. At an average pH of 6.76 the soil sits above Taro (Nduma)'s preferred 5.5–6.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. 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/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Taro (Nduma), which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Taro (Nduma) is the #55 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kwale County. Taro (Nduma)'s full potential is about 7,000 kg/acre (~KES 630,000/acre at KES 90/kg), but at Kwale's 64/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 5,600 kg/acre (~KES 504,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kwale soil | Taro (Nduma) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.76 | 5.5–6.5 | Adjust |
| 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 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 1,000–1,500 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 200 m | 0–1,850 m | OK |
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag