Growing Bambara Nuts in Samburu

Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile

Samburu County is a challenging environment for Bambara Nuts (soil-match score 25/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.28 the soil sits above Bambara Nuts's preferred 5–6.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.67 g/kg), phosphorus (42.1 mg/kg) and potassium (387 mg/kg) all meet Bambara Nuts's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Bambara Nuts, which favours sandy. Samburu receives approximately 350 mm/year — well below Bambara Nuts's minimum of 500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 150/kg) and a typical 300 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Bambara Nuts crop here can gross roughly KES 45,000 per acre.