Growing Dhania in Nyandarua

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Yes, with the right inputs — Nyandarua is moderately suited to Dhania. Nyandarua's soil (pH 5.38, strongly acidic) gives Dhania a suitability score of 68/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.

Nyandarua County is a solid choice for Dhania, with a soil-match score of 68/100. At an average pH of 5.38 the soil is moderately acidic, below Dhania's preferred 6–7.5 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 Dhania's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Dhania prefers loam soils, while Nyandarua is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Dhania's full potential is about 1,500 kg/acre (~KES 112,500/acre at KES 75/kg), but at Nyandarua's 68/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,275 kg/acre (~KES 95,625/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

68Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorNyandarua soilDhania needsStatus
pH5.3867.5Adjust
Nitrogen1.28 g/kgmin 0.5 g/kgOK
Phosphorus14 mg/kgmin 6 mg/kgOK
Potassium166 mg/kgmin 100 mg/kgOK
Rainfall1,100 mm500–1,000 mmHigh
Altitude2,300 m0–2,500 mOK

Top dressing guide

Product
None
Timing
None required
Instruction
Short season crop. No top dressing needed if basal DAP was applied at planting.
Bags per Acre
0

Recommended seed varieties

Desi CorianderMedium/Highland
Local/KALRO · 45-60 days · 10-15 bags/acre
Fast maturing; aromatic; popular in fresh and dried form.

Economics

Market priceKES 75/kg
Expected yield in Nyandarua1,275 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 95,625/acre
Adjusted for Nyandarua's 68/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Dhania can reach 1,500 kg/acre (~KES 112,500/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureLoam

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