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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Taro (Nduma) is the #60 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nyandarua County. Taro (Nduma)'s full potential is about 7,000 kg/acre (~KES 630,000/acre at KES 90/kg), but at Nyandarua's 56/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,900 kg/acre (~KES 441,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Nyandarua's soil: Tea, Pyrethrum, and Potato — each scores higher on the same soil.