Growing Tomato in Nyandarua

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile

Tomato can be grown in Nyandarua County, but the soil scores 50/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.38 the soil is moderately acidic, below Tomato's preferred 6–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 1.28 g/kg, P 14 mg/kg, K 166 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Tomato prefers loam soils, while Nyandarua is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 2300 m, the county sits above Tomato's preferred altitude ceiling of 1800 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. At current prices (about KES 40/kg) and a typical 5,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Tomato crop here can gross roughly KES 200,000 per acre.