Growing Dragon Fruit in Tharaka Nithi
Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile
Tharaka Nithi County is a solid choice for Dragon Fruit, with a soil-match score of 73/100. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Dragon Fruit's preferred 5.5–7 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 Dragon Fruit's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Dragon Fruit, which favours sandy loam. At current prices (about KES 500/kg) and a typical 5,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Dragon Fruit crop here can gross roughly KES 2,500,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Tharaka Nithi soil | Dragon Fruit needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.99 | 5.5–7 | 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 200 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 500–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,100 m | 0–1,700 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag