Growing Cashew Nuts in Wajir

Soil suitability analysis based on Wajir's nutrient profile

Wajir County is a challenging environment for Cashew Nuts (soil-match score 6/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.4 the soil sits above Cashew Nuts's preferred 5–7.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.52 g/kg), phosphorus (39.3 mg/kg) and potassium (396 mg/kg) all meet Cashew Nuts's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Cashew Nuts, which favours sandy. Wajir receives approximately 200 mm/year — well below Cashew Nuts's minimum of 600 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Cashew Nuts's full potential is about 900 kg/acre (~KES 247,500/acre at KES 275/kg), but at Wajir's 6/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 68 kg/acre (~KES 18,700/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.