Growing Taro (Nduma) in Makueni

Soil suitability analysis based on Makueni's nutrient profile

Makueni County is a challenging environment for Taro (Nduma) (soil-match score 23/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.5 the soil sits above Taro (Nduma)'s preferred 5.5–6.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.86 g/kg), phosphorus (29.6 mg/kg) and potassium (351 mg/kg) all meet Taro (Nduma)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Taro (Nduma), which favours loam. Makueni receives approximately 600 mm/year — well below Taro (Nduma)'s minimum of 1000 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 90/kg) and a typical 8,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Taro (Nduma) crop here can gross roughly KES 720,000 per acre.