Growing Carrot in Tana River

Soil suitability analysis based on Tana River's nutrient profile

Tana River County is a challenging environment for Carrot (soil-match score 1/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.4 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–7 band Carrot prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 1.04 g/kg, P 8.5 mg/kg, K 108 mg/kg against this crop's low/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Carrot, which favours sandy loam. Tana River receives approximately 400 mm/year — well below Carrot's minimum of 600 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 38/kg) and a typical 5,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Carrot crop here can gross roughly KES 209,000 per acre.

1Suitability score

Soil match analysis

NutrientTana River soilCarrot needsStatus
pH6.45.57OK
Nitrogen1.04 g/kgmin 0.5 g/kgOK
Phosphorus8.5 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgLow
Potassium108 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgLow

Recommended seed varieties

NantesMedium/Highland
Simlaw Seeds · 70-80 days · 80-100 bags/acre
Cylindrical roots; sweet flavor; excellent fresh market variety.
ChantenayMedium
Simlaw Seeds · 75-90 days · 70-90 bags/acre
Broad shoulders; good for heavy soils; reliable yield.

Economics

Market priceKES 38/kg
Expected yield5,500 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 209,000/acre

Preferred textureSandy Loam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 2,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,500(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 2,500(5,600)
Urea
KES 2,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag