Growing Cassava in Trans Nzoia

Soil suitability analysis based on Trans Nzoia's nutrient profile

Cassava can be grown in Trans Nzoia County, but the soil scores 51/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 5.93 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 4.5–7 band Cassava prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.68 g/kg), phosphorus (27.3 mg/kg) and potassium (213 mg/kg) all meet Cassava's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Cassava prefers sandy soils, while Trans Nzoia is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 1900 m, the county sits above Cassava's preferred altitude ceiling of 1400 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cassava is the #86 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Trans Nzoia County. Cassava's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 90,000/acre at KES 15/kg), but at Trans Nzoia's 51/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,825 kg/acre (~KES 57,375/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Trans Nzoia's soil: Kale (Sukuma Wiki), Finger Millet, and Sweet Potato — each scores higher on the same soil.