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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Taro (Nduma) is the #85 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Makueni County. Taro (Nduma)'s full potential is about 7,000 kg/acre (~KES 630,000/acre at KES 90/kg), but at Makueni's 23/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,012 kg/acre (~KES 181,080/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Makueni's soil: Lucerne, Mango, and Sisal — each scores higher on the same soil.