Growing Turmeric in Nyandarua

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile

Nyandarua County is a challenging environment for Turmeric (soil-match score 29/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.38 the soil is moderately acidic, below Turmeric's preferred 5.5–7.5 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. Turmeric prefers loam soils, while Nyandarua is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 2300 m, the county sits above Turmeric's preferred altitude ceiling of 1500 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. Turmeric's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 480,000/acre at KES 80/kg), but at Nyandarua's 29/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,175 kg/acre (~KES 174,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.