Growing Chilies in Nyamira

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyamira's nutrient profile

Nyamira County is a challenging environment for Chilies (soil-match score 30/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.58 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Chilies's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 0.84 g/kg, P 11.6 mg/kg, K 148 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Chilies prefers sandy loam soils, while Nyamira is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 1700 m, the county sits above Chilies's preferred altitude ceiling of 1200 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. Chilies's full potential is about 2,500 kg/acre (~KES 412,500/acre at KES 165/kg), but at Nyamira's 30/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 938 kg/acre (~KES 154,770/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.