Growing Cotton in Tharaka Nithi
Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Tharaka Nithi is moderately suited to Cotton. Tharaka Nithi's soil (pH 4.99, strongly acidic) gives Cotton a suitability score of 62/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cotton is the #57 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Tharaka Nithi County. 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.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Tharaka Nithi soil | Cotton needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.99 | 5.8–8 | 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 | 450–1,200 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,100 m | 0–1,500 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Tharaka Nithi's nitrogen (1.23 g/kg) already meets Cotton's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Tharaka Nithi
Varieties suited to Tharaka Nithi's 1,100 m altitude and 900 mm annual rainfall — 2 of 2 cotton varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag