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.
Soil match analysis
| Nutrient | Tana River soil | Carrot needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.4 | 5.5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.04 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 8.5 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 108 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag