Growing Cassava in Uasin Gishu

Soil suitability analysis based on Uasin Gishu's nutrient profile

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. 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.