Growing Taro (Nduma) in Uasin Gishu
Soil suitability analysis based on Uasin Gishu's nutrient profile
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. At current prices (about KES 90/kg) and a typical 8,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Taro (Nduma) crop here can gross roughly KES 720,000 per acre.
Suitability score
Soil match analysis
| Nutrient | Uasin Gishu soil | Taro (Nduma) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.39 | 5.5–6.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.56 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 25.3 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 227 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
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 yield8,000 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 720,000/acre
Preferred textureLoam
Fertilizer prices
DAP
KES 2,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,500(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 2,500(5,600)
Urea
KES 2,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag