Growing Cassava in Wajir

Soil suitability analysis based on Wajir's nutrient profile

Wajir County is a challenging environment for Cassava (soil-match score 8/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.4 the soil sits above Cassava's preferred 4.5–7 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 Cassava's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Cassava, which favours sandy. Wajir receives approximately 200 mm/year — well below Cassava's minimum of 500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cassava is the #22 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Wajir County. Cassava's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 90,000/acre at KES 15/kg), but at Wajir's 8/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 600 kg/acre (~KES 9,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Wajir's soil: Sisal, Aloe Vera, and Green Grams — each scores higher on the same soil.