Growing Chilies in Tharaka Nithi

Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile

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. At current prices (about KES 165/kg) and a typical 1,800 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Chilies crop here can gross roughly KES 297,000 per acre.