Growing Cashew Nuts in Mandera

Soil suitability analysis based on Mandera's nutrient profile

Mandera County is a challenging environment for Cashew Nuts (soil-match score 5/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.38 the soil sits above Cashew Nuts's preferred 5–7.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.53 g/kg), phosphorus (38.3 mg/kg) and potassium (420 mg/kg) all meet Cashew Nuts's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Cashew Nuts, which favours sandy. Mandera receives approximately 180 mm/year — well below Cashew Nuts's minimum of 600 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Cashew Nuts's full potential is about 900 kg/acre (~KES 247,500/acre at KES 275/kg), but at Mandera's 5/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 56 kg/acre (~KES 15,400/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.