Growing Cassava in Turkana

Soil suitability analysis based on Turkana's nutrient profile

Turkana County is a challenging environment for Cassava (soil-match score 18/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.95 the soil sits above Cassava's preferred 4.5–7 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 Cassava, which favours sandy. Turkana receives approximately 300 mm/year — well below Cassava's minimum of 500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cassava is the #26 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Turkana County. Cassava's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 90,000/acre at KES 15/kg), but at Turkana's 18/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,350 kg/acre (~KES 20,250/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Turkana's soil: Sisal, Aloe Vera, and Green Grams — each scores higher on the same soil.