Growing Arrow Root in Samburu

Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile

Samburu County is a challenging environment for Arrow Root (soil-match score 6/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.28 the soil sits above Arrow Root's preferred 5–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.67 g/kg, P 42.1 mg/kg, K 387 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Arrow Root prefers clay loam soils, while Samburu is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Samburu receives approximately 350 mm/year — well below Arrow Root's minimum of 1000 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 55/kg) and a typical 4,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Arrow Root crop here can gross roughly KES 247,500 per acre.