Growing Cashew Nuts in Turkana

Soil suitability analysis based on Turkana's nutrient profile

Turkana County is a challenging environment for Cashew Nuts (soil-match score 14/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.95 the soil sits above Cashew Nuts's preferred 5–7.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.41 g/kg, P 38.5 mg/kg, K 417 mg/kg against this crop's low/low/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Cashew Nuts, which favours sandy. Turkana receives approximately 300 mm/year — well below Cashew Nuts's minimum of 600 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Cashew Nuts's full potential is about 900 kg/acre (~KES 247,500/acre at KES 275/kg), but at Turkana's 14/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 158 kg/acre (~KES 43,450/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.