ShambaIQ

Growing Amaranth in Tharaka Nithi

Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Yes, with the right inputs — Tharaka Nithi is moderately suited to Amaranth. Tharaka Nithi's soil (pH 4.99, strongly acidic) gives Amaranth a suitability score of 67/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.

Tharaka Nithi County is a solid choice for Amaranth, with a soil-match score of 67/100. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Amaranth's preferred 5.5–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.23 g/kg), phosphorus (19.6 mg/kg) and potassium (211 mg/kg) all meet Amaranth's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Amaranth, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Amaranth is the #34 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Tharaka Nithi County. Amaranth's full potential is about 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 200,000/acre at KES 40/kg), but at Tharaka Nithi's 67/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,188 kg/acre (~KES 167,520/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

67Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorTharaka Nithi soilAmaranth needsStatus
pH4.995.5–7.5Adjust
Nitrogen1.23 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgOK
Phosphorus19.6 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium211 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK
Rainfall900 mm500–1,500 mmOK
Altitude1,100 m0–2,400 mOK

Planting calendar for Tharaka Nithi

Long Rains· March–MayMain season here

March
Sowing or Transplanting & CAN Basal
April
Thinning & 1st Top Dressing
May
Continuous Leaf Harvest

Short Rains· October–December

October
Sowing & Basal Fertilizer
November
Weeding & Top Dressing
December
Harvesting & Seed Saving

Dry Season· January–March

January
Irrigation & Continuous Harvesting
February
Top Dressing every 3 weeks
March
Replanting if stand exhausted

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 2-3 after thinning
Instruction
Top dress after thinning and again after each major leaf harvest to sustain tender regrowth
Bags per acre in Tharaka Nithi
1

Tharaka Nithi's nitrogen (1.23 g/kg) already meets Amaranth's 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.

Seed varieties for Tharaka Nithi

Varieties suited to Tharaka Nithi's 1,100 m altitude and 900 mm annual rainfall — 4 of 7 amaranth varieties we list.

KAT Gold (KAM 114)Lowland to Highland 20-2400m
KALRO · 80-100 days · 8-11 bags/acre
Golden seeded; dual purpose (grain & veg); highly drought tolerant.
Terere SmartLowland to Highland 20-2400m
KALRO · 75-90 days · 6-7 bags/acre
Whitish cream seeds; dual purpose; main stem is erect with a big panicle.
KK Livokoyi (AM 38)Lowland to Highland 250-2000m
KALRO / University of Eldoret · 45 days · 22 bags/acre
Leafy vegetable; long harvesting window (30 days); very high calcium/magnesium/zinc.
KK Mrambi (Ex-Zim)Lowland to Highland 250-2000m
KALRO / University of Eldoret · 45 days · 27 bags/acre
Leafy vegetable; long harvesting window (45 days); high calcium & magnesium.

Economics

Market priceKES 40/kg
Expected yield in Tharaka Nithi4,188 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 167,520/acre
Adjusted for Tharaka Nithi's 67/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Amaranth can reach 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 200,000/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(5,700)
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

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