Growing Chilies in Tharaka Nithi
Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Tharaka Nithi is moderately suited to Chilies. Tharaka Nithi's soil (pH 4.99, strongly acidic) gives Chilies a suitability score of 64/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Tharaka Nithi County is a solid choice for Chilies, with a soil-match score of 64/100. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Chilies's preferred 6–7.5 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 Chilies's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Chilies, which favours sandy loam. Chilies's full potential is about 2,500 kg/acre (~KES 412,500/acre at KES 165/kg), but at Tharaka Nithi's 64/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,000 kg/acre (~KES 330,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Tharaka Nithi soil | Chilies needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.99 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.23 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 19.6 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 211 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 500–1,200 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,100 m | 0–1,200 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag