Growing Cassava in Murang'a
Soil suitability analysis based on Murang'a's nutrient profile
Murang'a County is a solid choice for Cassava, with a soil-match score of 74/100. Local soils average pH 5.03 — moderately acidic and inside the 4.5–7 band Cassava prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.2 g/kg), phosphorus (12.2 mg/kg) and potassium (168 mg/kg) all meet Cassava's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Cassava prefers sandy soils, while Murang'a is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At current prices (about KES 15/kg) and a typical 6,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Cassava crop here can gross roughly KES 90,000 per acre.
Suitability score
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Murang'a soil | Cassava needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.03 | 4.5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.2 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 12.2 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 168 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 500–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–1,400 m | High |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Month 1
Stem Cutting Planting
Month 2
Weeding & Pest Monitoring
Month 3
Growth Monitoring
Short Rains
Month 1
Weeding & Mound Formation
Month 2
Pest & Disease Scouting
Month 3
Growth Monitoring
Dry Season
Month 1
Harvesting (12+ months from planting)
Month 2
Processing & Storage
Month 3
Land Preparation for next crop
Top dressing guide
Product
None
Timing
None required
Instruction
Cassava is low-input. Excessive N causes leafy growth at expense of tubers.
Bags per Acre
0
Recommended seed varieties
TajirikaCoastal/Dryland
KALRO · 300-365 days · 4–6 tons/acre
High yielding; tolerant to cassava mosaic disease.
ShibeCoastal/Medium
KALRO · 270-330 days · 3–5 tons/acre
Sweet variety; low cyanide content; good for table use.
Economics
Market priceKES 15/kg
Expected yield in Murang'a5,550 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 83,250/acre
Adjusted for Murang'a's 74/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Cassava can reach 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 90,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.
Preferred textureSandy
Fertilizer prices
DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag