Growing Thyme in Kakamega

Soil suitability analysis based on Kakamega's nutrient profile

Kakamega County is a challenging environment for Thyme (soil-match score 35/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.63 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Thyme's preferred 6–8 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 1.01 g/kg, P 14 mg/kg, K 147 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Thyme prefers sandy loam soils, while Kakamega is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Thyme is the #95 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kakamega County. Thyme's full potential is about 2,000 kg/acre (~KES 300,000/acre at KES 150/kg), but at Kakamega's 35/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 875 kg/acre (~KES 131,250/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Kakamega's soil: Soybeans, Rice (Lowland/Paddy), and Sweet Potato — each scores higher on the same soil.