Growing Cauliflower in Tharaka Nithi

Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile

Cauliflower can be grown in Tharaka Nithi County, but the soil scores 51/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Cauliflower'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 Cauliflower, which favours loam. Cauliflower's full potential is about 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre at KES 60/kg), but at Tharaka Nithi's 51/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 6,375 kg/acre (~KES 382,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.