Growing Arrow Root in Wajir

Soil suitability analysis based on Wajir's nutrient profile

Wajir County is a challenging environment for Arrow Root (soil-match score 2/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.4 the soil sits above Arrow Root's preferred 5–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.52 g/kg, P 39.3 mg/kg, K 396 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Arrow Root prefers clay loam soils, while Wajir is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Wajir receives approximately 200 mm/year — well below Arrow Root's minimum of 1000 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 55/kg) and a typical 4,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Arrow Root crop here can gross roughly KES 247,500 per acre.

2Suitability score

Soil match analysis

NutrientWajir soilArrow Root needsStatus
pH8.457Adjust
Nitrogen0.52 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgLow
Phosphorus39.3 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium396 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgOK

Recommended seed varieties

Nduma LocalMedium/Highland
KALRO · 270-365 days · 50-80 bags/acre
Traditional variety; good corm size; suited to wet highland areas.

Economics

Market priceKES 55/kg
Expected yield4,500 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 247,500/acre

Preferred textureClay Loam

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