Growing Taro (Nduma) in Lamu
Soil suitability analysis based on Lamu's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Lamu is poorly suited to Taro (Nduma). Lamu's soil (pH 6.31, slightly acidic) gives Taro (Nduma) 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 Taro (Nduma) (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 5.5–6.5 band Taro (Nduma) 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/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Taro (Nduma) prefers loam soils, while Lamu is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Lamu receives approximately 600 mm/year — well below Taro (Nduma)'s minimum of 1000 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Taro (Nduma) is the #56 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Lamu County. Taro (Nduma)'s full potential is about 7,000 kg/acre (~KES 630,000/acre at KES 90/kg), but at Lamu's 30/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,625 kg/acre (~KES 236,250/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 | Taro (Nduma) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.31 | 5.5–6.5 | 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 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 600 mm | 1,000–1,500 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 10 m | 0–1,850 m | OK |
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag