Growing Cassava in Laikipia
Soil suitability analysis based on Laikipia's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Laikipia is moderately suited to Cassava. Laikipia's soil (pH 4.99, strongly acidic) gives Cassava a suitability score of 57/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Cassava can be grown in Laikipia County, but the soil scores 57/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 4.99 — strongly acidic and inside the 4.5–7 band Cassava prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.42 g/kg), phosphorus (16.6 mg/kg) and potassium (215 mg/kg) all meet Cassava's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Cassava, which favours sandy. At 1700 m, the county sits above Cassava's preferred altitude ceiling of 1400 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cassava is the #61 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Laikipia County. Cassava's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 90,000/acre at KES 15/kg), but at Laikipia's 57/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,275 kg/acre (~KES 64,125/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Laikipia's soil: Sweet Potato, Finger Millet, and Groundnuts — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Laikipia soil | Cassava needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.99 | 4.5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.42 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 16.6 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 215 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 600 mm | 500–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 0–1,400 m | High |
Planting calendar for Laikipia
Long Rains· April–JuneMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Dry Season· February–April
Top dressing guide
Laikipia's nitrogen reads 1.42 g/kg, but the rate stays at zero: Cassava is not top-dressed, for the crop-specific reason above.
Seed varieties for Laikipia
Varieties suited to Laikipia's 1,700 m altitude and 600 mm annual rainfall — 2 of 2 cassava varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag