Growing Arrow Root in Taita Taveta

Soil suitability analysis based on Taita Taveta's nutrient profile

Taita Taveta County is a challenging environment for Arrow Root (soil-match score 20/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.64 — neutral and inside the 5–7 band Arrow Root prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 0.97 g/kg, P 12.9 mg/kg, K 104 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly loam soils suit Arrow Root, which favours clay loam. Taita Taveta receives approximately 500 mm/year — well below Arrow Root's minimum of 1000 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Arrow Root's full potential is about 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 275,000/acre at KES 55/kg), but at Taita Taveta's 20/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,250 kg/acre (~KES 68,750/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.