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. At current prices (about KES 80/kg) and a typical 6,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Yams crop here can gross roughly KES 480,000 per acre.