Growing Cotton in Tharaka Nithi

Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile

Tharaka Nithi County is a solid choice for Cotton, with a soil-match score of 62/100. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Cotton's preferred 5.8–8 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 Cotton's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Cotton prefers clay soils, while Tharaka Nithi is largely sandy loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Cotton's full potential is about 900 kg/acre (~KES 61,200/acre at KES 68/kg), but at Tharaka Nithi's 62/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 698 kg/acre (~KES 47,464/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.