Growing Taro (Nduma) 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 Taro (Nduma). Uasin Gishu's soil (pH 6.39, slightly acidic) gives Taro (Nduma) a suitability score of 71/100. Match fertilizer to Uasin Gishu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.

Uasin Gishu County is a solid choice for Taro (Nduma), with a soil-match score of 71/100. Local soils average pH 6.39 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–6.5 band Taro (Nduma) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.56 g/kg), phosphorus (25.3 mg/kg) and potassium (227 mg/kg) all meet Taro (Nduma)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Taro (Nduma), which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Taro (Nduma) is the #64 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Uasin Gishu County. Taro (Nduma)'s full potential is about 7,000 kg/acre (~KES 630,000/acre at KES 90/kg), but at Uasin Gishu's 71/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 6,213 kg/acre (~KES 559,170/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

71Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorUasin Gishu soilTaro (Nduma) needsStatus
pH6.395.56.5OK
Nitrogen1.56 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgOK
Phosphorus25.3 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium227 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK
Rainfall1,100 mm1,000–1,500 mmOK
Altitude2,100 m0–1,850 mHigh

Recommended seed varieties

Nduma LocalMedium/Highland 0-1850m
KALRO · 270-365 days · 2.5–4 tons/acre
Traditional variety; good corm size; suited to wet/valley bottoms.

Economics

Market priceKES 90/kg
Expected yield in Uasin Gishu6,213 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 559,170/acre
Adjusted for Uasin Gishu's 71/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Taro (Nduma) can reach 7,000 kg/acre (~KES 630,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(5,700)
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