Growing Cassava in Uasin Gishu
Soil suitability analysis based on Uasin Gishu's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Uasin Gishu is poorly suited to Cassava. Uasin Gishu's soil (pH 6.39, slightly acidic) gives Cassava a suitability score of 39/100. Match fertilizer to Uasin Gishu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Uasin Gishu County is a challenging environment for Cassava (soil-match score 39/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.39 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 4.5–7 band Cassava prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.56 g/kg), phosphorus (25.3 mg/kg) and potassium (227 mg/kg) all meet Cassava's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Cassava prefers sandy soils, while Uasin Gishu is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 2100 m, the county sits above Cassava's preferred altitude ceiling of 1400 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cassava is the #94 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Uasin Gishu County. Cassava's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 90,000/acre at KES 15/kg), but at Uasin Gishu's 39/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,925 kg/acre (~KES 43,875/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Uasin Gishu's soil: Beans, Snow Peas, and Napier Grass — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Uasin Gishu soil | Cassava needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.39 | 4.5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.56 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 25.3 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 227 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,100 mm | 500–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 2,100 m | 0–1,400 m | High |
Planting calendar for Uasin Gishu
Long Rains· April–JuneMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Dry Season· February–April
Top dressing guide
Uasin Gishu's nitrogen reads 1.56 g/kg, but the rate stays at zero: Cassava is not top-dressed, for the crop-specific reason above.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Uasin Gishu's 2,100 m altitude and 1,100 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag