Growing Cassava in Samburu

Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile

Samburu County is a challenging environment for Cassava (soil-match score 25/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.28 the soil sits above Cassava's preferred 4.5–7 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 Cassava's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Cassava, which favours sandy. Samburu receives approximately 350 mm/year — well below Cassava's minimum of 500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Cassava's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 90,000/acre at KES 15/kg), but at Samburu's 25/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,875 kg/acre (~KES 28,125/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.