Growing Cassava in Nyandarua
Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Nyandarua is poorly suited to Cassava. Nyandarua's soil (pH 5.38, strongly acidic) gives Cassava a suitability score of 34/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Nyandarua County is a challenging environment for Cassava (soil-match score 34/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 5.38 — moderately acidic and inside the 4.5–7 band Cassava prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.28 g/kg), phosphorus (14 mg/kg) and potassium (166 mg/kg) all meet Cassava's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Cassava prefers sandy soils, while Nyandarua is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 2300 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 #85 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nyandarua County. Cassava's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 90,000/acre at KES 15/kg), but at Nyandarua's 34/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,550 kg/acre (~KES 38,250/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Nyandarua's soil: Tea, Pyrethrum, and Potato — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nyandarua soil | Cassava needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.38 | 4.5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.28 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 14 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 166 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,100 mm | 500–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 2,300 m | 0–1,400 m | High |
Planting calendar for Nyandarua
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Nyandarua's nitrogen reads 1.28 g/kg, but the rate stays at zero: Cassava is not top-dressed, for the crop-specific reason above.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Nyandarua's 2,300 m altitude and 1,100 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag