Growing Arrow Root in Trans Nzoia

Soil suitability analysis based on Trans Nzoia's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Yes — Trans Nzoia is well suited to Arrow Root. Trans Nzoia's soil (pH 5.93, slightly acidic) gives Arrow Root a suitability score of 84/100. Match fertilizer to Trans Nzoia's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.

Trans Nzoia County is well suited to Arrow Root, scoring 84/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 5.93 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7 band Arrow Root prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.68 g/kg), phosphorus (27.3 mg/kg) and potassium (213 mg/kg) all meet Arrow Root's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Arrow Root, which favours clay loam. At current prices (about KES 55/kg) and a typical 5,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Arrow Root crop here can gross roughly KES 275,000 per acre.

84Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorTrans Nzoia soilArrow Root needsStatus
pH5.9357OK
Nitrogen1.68 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgOK
Phosphorus27.3 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium213 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgOK
Rainfall1,200 mm1,000–2,000 mmOK
Altitude1,900 m0–1,800 mHigh

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
3 months after planting
Instruction
Apply in a ring around the plant. Arrow Root is a long-season crop and benefits from one mid-season application.
Bags per Acre
0.5

Recommended seed varieties

Nduma LocalMedium/Highland
KALRO · 270-365 days · 2.5–4 tons/acre
Traditional variety; good corm size; suited to wet highland areas.

Economics

Market priceKES 55/kg
Expected yield 5,000 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 275,000/acre

Preferred textureClay Loam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag