Growing Yams in Mandera

Soil suitability analysis based on Mandera's nutrient profile

Mandera County is a challenging environment for Yams (soil-match score 1/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.38 the soil sits above Yams's preferred 5.5–6.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.53 g/kg, P 38.3 mg/kg, K 420 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Yams, which favours sandy loam. Mandera receives approximately 180 mm/year — well below Yams's minimum of 1200 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Yams is the #67 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Mandera County. Yams's full potential is about 7,000 kg/acre (~KES 560,000/acre at KES 80/kg), but at Mandera's 1/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 88 kg/acre (~KES 7,040/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Mandera's soil: Sisal, Aloe Vera, and Green Grams — each scores higher on the same soil.