Growing Cashew Nuts in Marsabit
Soil suitability analysis based on Marsabit's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Marsabit is poorly suited to Cashew Nuts. Marsabit's soil (pH 8.22, alkaline) gives Cashew Nuts a suitability score of 3/100. Match fertilizer to Marsabit's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Marsabit County is a challenging environment for Cashew Nuts (soil-match score 3/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.22 the soil sits above Cashew Nuts's preferred 5–7.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.52 g/kg), phosphorus (37.3 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. Marsabit receives approximately 300 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 Marsabit's 3/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 34 kg/acre (~KES 9,350/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Marsabit soil | Cashew Nuts needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 8.22 | 5–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.52 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 37.3 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 420 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 300 mm | 600–1,500 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 1,100 m | 0–500 m | High |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag