Growing Arrow Root in Uasin Gishu

Soil suitability analysis based on Uasin Gishu's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Yes, with the right inputs — Uasin Gishu is moderately suited to Arrow Root. Uasin Gishu's soil (pH 6.39, slightly acidic) gives Arrow Root a suitability score of 67/100. Match fertilizer to Uasin Gishu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.

Uasin Gishu County is a solid choice for Arrow Root, with a soil-match score of 67/100. Local soils average pH 6.39 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7 band Arrow Root prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.56 g/kg), phosphorus (25.3 mg/kg) and potassium (227 mg/kg) all meet Arrow Root's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Arrow Root, which favours clay loam. Arrow Root's full potential is about 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 275,000/acre at KES 55/kg), but at Uasin Gishu's 67/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,188 kg/acre (~KES 230,340/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

67Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorUasin Gishu soilArrow Root needsStatus
pH6.3957OK
Nitrogen1.56 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgOK
Phosphorus25.3 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium227 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgOK
Rainfall1,100 mm1,000–2,000 mmOK
Altitude2,100 m0–1,800 mHigh

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
3 months after planting
Instruction
Apply in a ring around the plant. Arrow Root is a long-season crop and benefits from one mid-season application.
Bags per Acre
0.5

Recommended seed varieties

Nduma LocalMedium/Highland
KALRO · 270-365 days · 2.5–4 tons/acre
Traditional variety; good corm size; suited to wet highland areas.

Economics

Market priceKES 55/kg
Expected yield in Uasin Gishu4,188 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 230,340/acre
Adjusted for Uasin Gishu's 67/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Arrow Root can reach 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 275,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureClay Loam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag