Growing Potato in Wajir
Soil suitability analysis based on Wajir's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Wajir is poorly suited to Potato. Wajir's soil (pH 8.4, alkaline) gives Potato a suitability score of 0/100. Match fertilizer to Wajir's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Wajir County is a challenging environment for Potato (soil-match score 0/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.4 the soil sits above Potato's preferred 4.8–6.5 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 high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Potato, which favours sandy loam. Wajir receives approximately 200 mm/year — well below Potato's minimum of 700 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Potato is the #80 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Wajir County. Potato's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 304,000/acre at KES 38/kg), but at Wajir's 0/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 0 kg/acre (~KES 0/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.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Wajir soil | Potato needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 8.4 | 4.8–6.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.52 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 39.3 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 396 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 200 mm | 700–1,500 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 250 m | 1,500–3,000 m | Low |
Planting calendar for Wajir
Long Rains· March–May
Short Rains· October–DecemberMain season here
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Wajir's nitrogen (0.52 g/kg) is 43% of the 1.2 g/kg Potato needs, so the standard 1 bag/acre is raised to 1.5. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Seed varieties for Wajir
Varieties suited to Wajir's 250 m altitude and 200 mm annual rainfall — 1 of 14 potato varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag