Growing Dhania in Meru
Soil suitability analysis based on Meru's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Meru is only marginally suited to Dhania. Meru's soil (pH 4.88, strongly acidic) gives Dhania a suitability score of 50/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Dhania can be grown in Meru County, but the soil scores 50/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 4.88 the soil is strongly acidic, below Dhania's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.22 g/kg), phosphorus (20.3 mg/kg) and potassium (218 mg/kg) all meet Dhania's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Dhania, which favours loam. Dhania's full potential is about 1,500 kg/acre (~KES 112,500/acre at KES 75/kg), but at Meru's 50/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 938 kg/acre (~KES 70,350/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Meru soil | Dhania needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.88 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.22 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 20.3 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 218 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 500–1,000 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–2,500 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag