Growing Cassava in Nyandarua

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile

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. 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.