Growing Arrow Root in Tharaka Nithi

Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile

Tharaka Nithi County is a solid choice for Arrow Root, with a soil-match score of 63/100. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Arrow Root's preferred 5–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.23 g/kg), phosphorus (19.6 mg/kg) and potassium (211 mg/kg) all meet Arrow Root's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Arrow Root, which favours clay loam. At current prices (about KES 55/kg) and a typical 4,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Arrow Root crop here can gross roughly KES 247,500 per acre.