Growing Cassava in Nakuru

Soil suitability analysis based on Nakuru's nutrient profile

Cassava can be grown in Nakuru County, but the soil scores 57/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 6.28 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 4.5–7 band Cassava prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.59 g/kg), phosphorus (25.2 mg/kg) and potassium (239 mg/kg) all meet Cassava's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Cassava prefers sandy soils, while Nakuru is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 1750 m, the county sits above Cassava's preferred altitude ceiling of 1400 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cassava is the #88 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nakuru County. Cassava's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 90,000/acre at KES 15/kg), but at Nakuru's 57/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,275 kg/acre (~KES 64,125/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Nakuru's soil: Carrot, Dolichos, and Garden Peas — each scores higher on the same soil.