Growing Arrow Root in West Pokot

Soil suitability analysis based on West Pokot's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Yes — West Pokot is well suited to Arrow Root. West Pokot's soil (pH 6.04, slightly acidic) gives Arrow Root a suitability score of 93/100. Match fertilizer to West Pokot's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.

West Pokot County is well suited to Arrow Root, scoring 93/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 6.04 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7 band Arrow Root prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.67 g/kg), phosphorus (24.8 mg/kg) and potassium (211 mg/kg) all meet Arrow Root's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Arrow Root prefers clay loam soils, while West Pokot is largely sandy loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At current prices (about KES 55/kg) and a typical 5,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Arrow Root crop here can gross roughly KES 275,000 per acre.

93Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorWest Pokot soilArrow Root needsStatus
pH6.0457OK
Nitrogen1.67 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgOK
Phosphorus24.8 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium211 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgOK
Rainfall1,000 mm1,000–2,000 mmOK
Altitude1,500 m0–1,800 mOK

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
3 months after planting
Instruction
Apply in a ring around the plant. Arrow Root is a long-season crop and benefits from one mid-season application.
Bags per Acre
0.5

Recommended seed varieties

Nduma LocalMedium/Highland
KALRO · 270-365 days · 2.5–4 tons/acre
Traditional variety; good corm size; suited to wet highland areas.

Economics

Market priceKES 55/kg
Expected yield 5,000 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 275,000/acre

Preferred textureClay Loam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag