Growing Thyme in Nyamira

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyamira's nutrient profile

Nyamira County is a challenging environment for Thyme (soil-match score 41/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.58 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 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. Thyme prefers sandy loam soils, while Nyamira is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Thyme's full potential is about 2,000 kg/acre (~KES 300,000/acre at KES 150/kg), but at Nyamira's 41/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,025 kg/acre (~KES 153,750/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

41Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorNyamira soilThyme needsStatus
pH5.5868Adjust
Nitrogen0.84 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgOK
Phosphorus11.6 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgLow
Potassium148 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgLow
Rainfall1,600 mm400–900 mmHigh
Altitude1,700 m800–2,400 mOK

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Nursery & Transplanting
Month 2
Weeding & Light Feeding
Month 3
Harvest

Short Rains

Month 1
Direct Sowing
Month 2
Weeding
Month 3
Harvest

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Twice per season
Instruction
Light feeder — minimal nitrogen keeps the plant compact and aromatic.
Bags per Acre
0.2

Economics

Market priceKES 150/kg
Expected yield in Nyamira1,025 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 153,750/acre
Adjusted for Nyamira's 41/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Thyme can reach 2,000 kg/acre (~KES 300,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureSandy 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