Growing Thyme in Samburu

Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile

Thyme can be grown in Samburu County, but the soil scores 49/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 8.28 the soil sits above Thyme's preferred 6–8 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.67 g/kg, P 42.1 mg/kg, K 387 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Thyme, which favours sandy loam. Thyme's full potential is about 2,000 kg/acre (~KES 300,000/acre at KES 150/kg), but at Samburu's 49/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,225 kg/acre (~KES 183,750/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.