Optimizing Taro Profitability in Kenya: Watering Regimes, Planting Densities, and Economic Returns

Abstract

Aims: Assessing the economic feasibility of varying irrigation levels and planting densities offers essential insights for farmers, facilitating more informed decision-making. An on-farm experiment evaluated the financial returns of taro (Colocasia esculenta) production under different watering regimes and planting densities across three cropping seasons (2021- 2022). The watering regimes applied were 100%, 60%, and 30% of field capacity (FC), while planting densities were 0.5 m × 0.5 m (40,000 plants ha⁻¹), 1 m × 0.5 m (20,000 plants ha⁻¹), and 1 m × 1 m (10,000 plants ha⁻¹), representing high, medium, and low densities. Study Design and Methodology: The study employed a split-plot factorial design within a completely randomized block design with three replications. Results: The net benefits realized under 100% FC for each planting density were 1 m × 1 m (USD 7183), 1 m × 0.5 m (USD 3407), and 0.5 m × 0.5 m (USD 1138). The net benefits from the 60% FC were 1 m × 1 m (USD 2048), 1 m × 0.5 m (USD 3258), and 0.5 m × 0.5 m (USD 7210), and those attained under the 30% FC were 1 m × 1 m (USD 1658), 1 m × 0.5 m (USD 3928), and 0.5 m × 0.5 m (USD 5950). Conclusion: Marginal analysis identified the 100% FC with 1 m × 1 m spacing as the most financially viable option in Embu County. It offers the highest net benefit (USD 7183), a benefit-cost ratio of 21.11, and a marginal rate of return above 100%.