Growing Taro (Nduma) in Nyandarua

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile

Taro (Nduma) can be grown in Nyandarua County, but the soil scores 56/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.38 the soil is moderately acidic, below Taro (Nduma)'s preferred 5.5–6.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.28 g/kg), phosphorus (14 mg/kg) and potassium (166 mg/kg) all meet Taro (Nduma)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Taro (Nduma) prefers loam soils, while Nyandarua is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 2300 m, the county sits above Taro (Nduma)'s preferred altitude ceiling of 1850 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. At current prices (about KES 90/kg) and a typical 8,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Taro (Nduma) crop here can gross roughly KES 720,000 per acre.