Growing Taro (Nduma) in Narok

Soil suitability analysis based on Narok's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Yes, with the right inputs — Narok is moderately suited to Taro (Nduma). Narok's soil (pH 6.13, slightly acidic) gives Taro (Nduma) 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 Taro (Nduma), with a soil-match score of 60/100. Local soils average pH 6.13 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–6.5 band Taro (Nduma) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.63 g/kg), phosphorus (25.7 mg/kg) and potassium (234 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 #88 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Narok County. Taro (Nduma)'s full potential is about 7,000 kg/acre (~KES 630,000/acre at KES 90/kg), but at Narok's 60/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 5,250 kg/acre (~KES 472,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

60Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorNarok soilTaro (Nduma) needsStatus
pH6.135.56.5OK
Nitrogen1.63 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgOK
Phosphorus25.7 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium234 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK
Rainfall800 mm1,000–1,500 mmLow
Altitude1,700 m0–1,850 mOK

Recommended seed varieties

Nduma LocalMedium/Highland 0-1850m
KALRO · 270-365 days · 2.5–4 tons/acre
Traditional variety; good corm size; suited to wet/valley bottoms.

Economics

Market priceKES 90/kg
Expected yield in Narok5,250 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 472,500/acre
Adjusted for Narok's 60/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Taro (Nduma) can reach 7,000 kg/acre (~KES 630,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(5,700)
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