Growing Yams in Kwale

Soil suitability analysis based on Kwale's nutrient profile

Kwale County is a challenging environment for Yams (soil-match score 44/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 6.76 the soil sits above Yams'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/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Yams, which favours sandy loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Yams is the #61 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kwale County. Yams's full potential is about 7,000 kg/acre (~KES 560,000/acre at KES 80/kg), but at Kwale's 44/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,850 kg/acre (~KES 308,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Kwale's soil: Dhania, Pigeon Peas, and Mango — each scores higher on the same soil.