Growing Cassava in Samburu
Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Samburu is poorly suited to Cassava. Samburu's soil (pH 8.28, alkaline) gives Cassava a suitability score of 25/100. Match fertilizer to Samburu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cassava is the #34 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Samburu County. 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.
Better matched to Samburu's soil: Sisal, Aloe Vera, and Green Grams — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Samburu soil | Cassava needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 8.28 | 4.5–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.67 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 42.1 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 387 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 350 mm | 500–1,500 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 900 m | 0–1,400 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Samburu
Long Rains· March–May
Short Rains· October–DecemberMain season here
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Samburu's nitrogen reads 0.67 g/kg, but the rate stays at zero: Cassava is not top-dressed, for the crop-specific reason above.
Seed varieties for Samburu
Varieties suited to Samburu's 900 m altitude and 350 mm annual rainfall — 1 of 2 cassava varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag