Growing Taro (Nduma) in Nairobi
Soil suitability analysis based on Nairobi's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Nairobi is moderately suited to Taro (Nduma). Nairobi's soil (pH 6.85, near-neutral) gives Taro (Nduma) a suitability score of 67/100. Match fertilizer to Nairobi's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Nairobi County is a solid choice for Taro (Nduma), with a soil-match score of 67/100. At an average pH of 6.85 the soil sits above Taro (Nduma)'s preferred 5.5–6.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (1.1 g/kg), phosphorus (22.1 mg/kg) and potassium (236 mg/kg) all meet Taro (Nduma)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Taro (Nduma), which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Taro (Nduma) is the #82 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nairobi County. Taro (Nduma)'s full potential is about 7,000 kg/acre (~KES 630,000/acre at KES 90/kg), but at Nairobi's 67/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 5,863 kg/acre (~KES 527,670/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nairobi soil | Taro (Nduma) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.85 | 5.5–6.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.1 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 22.1 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 236 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 1,000–1,500 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 0–1,850 m | OK |
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag