Growing Beetroot in Tharaka Nithi

Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile

Tharaka Nithi County is a solid choice for Beetroot, with a soil-match score of 61/100. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Beetroot's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is phosphorus — measured at N 1.23 g/kg, P 19.6 mg/kg, K 211 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Beetroot, which favours loam. Beetroot's full potential is about 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 500,000/acre at KES 50/kg), but at Tharaka Nithi's 61/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 7,625 kg/acre (~KES 381,250/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

61Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorTharaka Nithi soilBeetroot needsStatus
pH4.9967.5Adjust
Nitrogen1.23 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgOK
Phosphorus19.6 mg/kgmin 20 mg/kgLow
Potassium211 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgOK
Rainfall900 mm500–1,200 mmOK
Altitude1,100 m800–2,500 mOK

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Direct Sowing & Basal
Month 2
Thinning & Top Dressing
Month 3
Root Bulking & Harvest

Short Rains

Month 1
Direct Sowing & Basal
Month 2
Thinning & Top Dressing
Month 3
Root Bulking & Harvest

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 3 and week 6
Instruction
Add potassium for root bulking. Boron foliar prevents internal black spot.
Bags per Acre
0.4

Economics

Market priceKES 50/kg
Expected yield in Tharaka Nithi7,625 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 381,250/acre
Adjusted for Tharaka Nithi's 61/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Beetroot can reach 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 500,000/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(4,500)
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