Growing Yams in Meru
Soil suitability analysis based on Meru's nutrient profile
Meru County is well suited to Yams, scoring 76/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. At an average pH of 4.88 the soil is strongly acidic, below Yams's preferred 5.5–6.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.22 g/kg), phosphorus (20.3 mg/kg) and potassium (218 mg/kg) all meet Yams's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Yams, which favours sandy loam. At current prices (about KES 80/kg) and a typical 6,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Yams crop here can gross roughly KES 480,000 per acre.
Suitability score
Soil match analysis
| Nutrient | Meru soil | Yams needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.88 | 5.5–6.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.22 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 20.3 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 218 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | OK |
Recommended seed varieties
Local White (Nyandarua/Meru)Medium/Highland 1000-1800m
Local · 240-300 days · 2.5–3.5 tons/acre
Traditional tuber crop; highly valued for food security; propagated via tuber sets.
Local PurpleMedium/Highland 1000-1800m
Local · 270-330 days · 2–3 tons/acre
Vigorous climbing vine; highly nutritious tuber.
Economics
Market priceKES 80/kg
Expected yield6,000 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 480,000/acre
Preferred textureSandy Loam
Fertilizer prices
DAP
KES 2,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,500(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 2,500(5,600)
Urea
KES 2,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag