Growing Turmeric in Wajir

Soil suitability analysis based on Wajir's nutrient profile

Wajir County is a challenging environment for Turmeric (soil-match score 2/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.4 the soil sits above Turmeric's preferred 5.5–7.5 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. Turmeric prefers loam soils, while Wajir is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Wajir receives approximately 200 mm/year — well below Turmeric's minimum of 1000 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Turmeric is the #59 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Wajir County. Turmeric's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 480,000/acre at KES 80/kg), but at Wajir's 2/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 150 kg/acre (~KES 12,000/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.