Growing Beans in Tharaka Nithi

Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile

Tharaka Nithi County is a solid choice for Beans, with a soil-match score of 68/100. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Beans's preferred 6–7 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 Beans's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Beans, which favours loam. Beans's full potential is about 800 kg/acre (~KES 104,000/acre at KES 130/kg), but at Tharaka Nithi's 68/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 680 kg/acre (~KES 88,400/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.