Growing Yams in Tana River

Soil suitability analysis based on Tana River's nutrient profile

Tana River County is a challenging environment for Yams (soil-match score 9/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.4 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–6.5 band Yams 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 medium/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Yams, which favours sandy loam. Tana River receives approximately 400 mm/year — well below Yams's minimum of 1200 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 80/kg) and a typical 6,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Yams crop here can gross roughly KES 480,000 per acre.