Growing Broccoli in Tharaka Nithi

Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile

Tharaka Nithi County is a challenging environment for Broccoli (soil-match score 23/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Broccoli'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 Broccoli, which favours loam. At 1100 m, the county sits below Broccoli's preferred altitude range (1800–2800 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. At current prices (about KES 90/kg) and a typical 5,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Broccoli crop here can gross roughly KES 450,000 per acre.