Growing Potato in Taita Taveta

Soil suitability analysis based on Taita Taveta's nutrient profile

Taita Taveta County is a challenging environment for Potato (soil-match score 16/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 6.64 the soil sits above Potato's preferred 4.8–6.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 0.97 g/kg, P 12.9 mg/kg, K 104 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly loam soils suit Potato, which favours sandy loam. Taita Taveta receives approximately 500 mm/year — well below Potato's minimum of 700 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 32/kg) and a typical 4,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Potato crop here can gross roughly KES 128,000 per acre.