Growing Sweet Potato in Turkana

Soil suitability analysis based on Turkana's nutrient profile

Turkana County is a challenging environment for Sweet Potato (soil-match score 13/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.95 the soil sits above Sweet Potato'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/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Sweet Potato, which favours sandy loam. Turkana receives approximately 300 mm/year — well below Sweet Potato's minimum of 600 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 18/kg) and a typical 3,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Sweet Potato crop here can gross roughly KES 63,000 per acre.