Growing Arrow Root in Lamu
Soil suitability analysis based on Lamu's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Lamu is poorly suited to Arrow Root. Lamu's soil (pH 6.31, slightly acidic) gives Arrow Root a suitability score of 30/100. Match fertilizer to Lamu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Lamu County is a challenging environment for Arrow Root (soil-match score 30/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.31 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7 band Arrow Root prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 0.74 g/kg, P 9.6 mg/kg, K 117 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 Lamu is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Lamu receives approximately 600 mm/year — well below Arrow Root's minimum of 1000 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Arrow Root is the #55 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Lamu County. Arrow Root's full potential is about 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 275,000/acre at KES 55/kg), but at Lamu's 30/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,875 kg/acre (~KES 103,125/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Lamu's soil: Sesame (Simsim), Sorghum, and Cowpeas — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Lamu soil | Arrow Root needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.31 | 5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.74 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 9.6 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 117 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 600 mm | 1,000–2,000 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 10 m | 0–1,800 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Lamu's nitrogen (0.74 g/kg) is 93% of the 0.8 g/kg Arrow Root needs, so the standard 0.5 bags/acre is raised to 0.75. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Lamu's 10 m altitude and 600 mm rainfall, so all 1 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag