Growing Yams in Nairobi
Soil suitability analysis based on Nairobi's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Nairobi is only marginally suited to Yams. Nairobi's soil (pH 6.85, near-neutral) gives Yams a suitability score of 46/100. Match fertilizer to Nairobi's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Yams can be grown in Nairobi County, but the soil scores 46/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 6.85 the soil sits above Yams'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 Yams's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Yams prefers sandy loam soils, while Nairobi is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Yams is the #98 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nairobi County. Yams's full potential is about 7,000 kg/acre (~KES 560,000/acre at KES 80/kg), but at Nairobi's 46/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,025 kg/acre (~KES 322,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Nairobi's soil: Dhania, Pumpkin, and Rosemary — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nairobi soil | Yams 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 200 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 1,200–1,800 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 0–1,800 m | OK |
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag