Growing Amaranth in Nyandarua
Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Nyandarua is moderately suited to Amaranth. Nyandarua's soil (pH 5.38, strongly acidic) gives Amaranth a suitability score of 74/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Nyandarua County is a solid choice for Amaranth, with a soil-match score of 74/100. At an average pH of 5.38 the soil is moderately acidic, below Amaranth's preferred 5.5–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.28 g/kg), phosphorus (14 mg/kg) and potassium (166 mg/kg) all meet Amaranth's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Amaranth prefers loam soils, while Nyandarua is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Amaranth is the #20 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nyandarua County. At current prices (about KES 40/kg) and a typical 5,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Amaranth crop here can gross roughly KES 200,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nyandarua soil | Amaranth needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.38 | 5.5–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.28 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 14 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 166 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,100 mm | 500–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 2,300 m | 0–2,400 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Nyandarua
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Nyandarua's nitrogen (1.28 g/kg) already meets Amaranth's 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Nyandarua
Varieties suited to Nyandarua's 2,300 m altitude and 1,100 mm annual rainfall — 4 of 7 amaranth varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag