Growing Yams in Nyeri
Soil suitability analysis based on Nyeri's nutrient profile
Nyeri County is well suited to Yams, scoring 83/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. At an average pH of 5.23 the soil is moderately acidic, below Yams's preferred 5.5–6.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 1.09 g/kg, P 15.5 mg/kg, K 192 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Yams prefers sandy loam soils, while Nyeri is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At current prices (about KES 80/kg) and a typical 6,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Yams crop here can gross roughly KES 480,000 per acre.
Soil match analysis
| Nutrient | Nyeri soil | Yams needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.23 | 5.5–6.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.09 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 15.5 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 192 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag