Growing Cassava in Nandi
Soil suitability analysis based on Nandi's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Nandi is only marginally suited to Cassava. Nandi's soil (pH 6.17, slightly acidic) gives Cassava a suitability score of 49/100. Match fertilizer to Nandi's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Cassava can be grown in Nandi County, but the soil scores 49/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 6.17 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 4.5–7 band Cassava prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.37 g/kg), phosphorus (26.4 mg/kg) and potassium (207 mg/kg) all meet Cassava's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Cassava prefers sandy soils, while Nandi is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 1900 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 #84 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nandi County. Cassava's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 90,000/acre at KES 15/kg), but at Nandi's 49/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,675 kg/acre (~KES 55,125/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Nandi's soil: Garden Peas, Maize, and Kale (Sukuma Wiki) — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nandi soil | Cassava needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.17 | 4.5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.37 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 26.4 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 207 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 500–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,900 m | 0–1,400 m | High |
Planting calendar for Nandi
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Nandi's nitrogen reads 1.37 g/kg, but the rate stays at zero: Cassava is not top-dressed, for the crop-specific reason above.
Seed varieties for Nandi
Varieties suited to Nandi's 1,900 m altitude and 1,400 mm annual rainfall — 1 of 2 cassava varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag