Growing Dolichos in Tharaka Nithi
Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Tharaka Nithi is moderately suited to Dolichos. Tharaka Nithi's soil (pH 4.99, strongly acidic) gives Dolichos a suitability score of 73/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Tharaka Nithi County is a solid choice for Dolichos, with a soil-match score of 73/100. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Dolichos's preferred 5–7.5 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 Dolichos's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Dolichos, which favours sandy loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Dolichos is the #12 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Tharaka Nithi County. At current prices (about KES 120/kg) and a typical 600 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Dolichos crop here can gross roughly KES 72,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Tharaka Nithi soil | Dolichos needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.99 | 5–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.23 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 19.6 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 211 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 400–1,000 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,100 m | 1,000–2,100 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Tharaka Nithi
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Tharaka Nithi's nitrogen reads 1.23 g/kg, but the rate stays at zero: Dolichos is not top-dressed, for the crop-specific reason above.
Seed varieties for Tharaka Nithi
Varieties suited to Tharaka Nithi's 1,100 m altitude and 900 mm annual rainfall — 4 of 6 dolichos varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag