Growing Coffee (Arabica) in Tharaka Nithi

Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile

Coffee (Arabica) 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 Coffee (Arabica)'s preferred 5–6 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 Coffee (Arabica)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Coffee (Arabica), which favours loam. Coffee (Arabica)'s full potential is about 800 kg/acre (~KES 96,000/acre at KES 120/kg), but at Tharaka Nithi's 51/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 510 kg/acre (~KES 61,200/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.