Growing Arrow Root in Narok

Soil suitability analysis based on Narok's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Yes, with the right inputs — Narok is moderately suited to Arrow Root. Narok's soil (pH 6.13, slightly acidic) gives Arrow Root a suitability score of 60/100. Match fertilizer to Narok's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.

Narok County is a solid choice for Arrow Root, with a soil-match score of 60/100. Local soils average pH 6.13 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7 band Arrow Root prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.63 g/kg), phosphorus (25.7 mg/kg) and potassium (234 mg/kg) all meet Arrow Root's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Arrow Root, which favours clay loam. Arrow Root's full potential is about 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 275,000/acre at KES 55/kg), but at Narok's 60/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,750 kg/acre (~KES 206,250/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

60Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorNarok soilArrow Root needsStatus
pH6.1357OK
Nitrogen1.63 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgOK
Phosphorus25.7 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium234 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgOK
Rainfall800 mm1,000–2,000 mmLow
Altitude1,700 m0–1,800 mOK

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
3 months after planting
Instruction
Apply in a ring around the plant. Arrow Root is a long-season crop and benefits from one mid-season application.
Bags per Acre
0.5

Recommended seed varieties

Nduma LocalMedium/Highland
KALRO · 270-365 days · 2.5–4 tons/acre
Traditional variety; good corm size; suited to wet highland areas.

Economics

Market priceKES 55/kg
Expected yield in Narok3,750 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 206,250/acre
Adjusted for Narok's 60/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Arrow Root can reach 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 275,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureClay Loam

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