Growing Groundnuts in Nyandarua

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile

Groundnuts can be grown in Nyandarua County, but the soil scores 53/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 5.38 — moderately acidic and inside the 5–7 band Groundnuts prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.28 g/kg), phosphorus (14 mg/kg) and potassium (166 mg/kg) all meet Groundnuts's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Groundnuts prefers sandy soils, while Nyandarua is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 2300 m, the county sits above Groundnuts's preferred altitude ceiling of 1800 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. Groundnuts's full potential is about 500 kg/acre (~KES 45,000/acre at KES 90/kg), but at Nyandarua's 53/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 331 kg/acre (~KES 29,790/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.