Growing Amaranth in Tharaka Nithi

Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile

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. At current prices (about KES 40/kg) and a typical 4,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Amaranth crop here can gross roughly KES 160,000 per acre.