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. At current prices (about KES 15/kg) and a typical 4,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Cassava crop here can gross roughly KES 60,000 per acre.