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Growing Kale (Sukuma Wiki) in Tharaka Nithi

Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Yes — Tharaka Nithi is well suited to Kale (Sukuma Wiki). Tharaka Nithi's soil (pH 4.99, strongly acidic) gives Kale (Sukuma Wiki) a suitability score of 78/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.

Tharaka Nithi County is well suited to Kale (Sukuma Wiki), scoring 78/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Kale (Sukuma Wiki)'s preferred 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 Kale (Sukuma Wiki)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Kale (Sukuma Wiki) prefers clay loam soils, while Tharaka Nithi is largely sandy loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At current prices (about KES 20/kg) and a typical 12,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Kale (Sukuma Wiki) crop here can gross roughly KES 240,000 per acre.

78Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorTharaka Nithi soilKale (Sukuma Wiki) needsStatus
pH4.995–7Adjust
Nitrogen1.23 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgOK
Phosphorus19.6 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium211 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK
Rainfall900 mm700–1,800 mmOK
Altitude1,100 m500–2,500 mOK

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Transplanting & Basal Fertilizer
Month 2
First Harvest & Top Dressing
Month 3
Continuous Harvesting & Top Dressing

Short Rains

Month 1
Transplanting & Basal Fertilizer
Month 2
Top Dressing & Pest Control
Month 3
Continuous Harvesting

Dry Season

Month 1
Irrigation & Continuous Harvesting
Month 2
Top Dressing Every 3 Weeks
Month 3
Replanting if stand is old

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Every 3 weeks after first harvest
Instruction
Kale is a heavy feeder. Regular top dressing is critical for continuous harvest.
Bags per Acre
0.5

Recommended seed varieties

Thousand HeadedMedium/Highland
Simlaw Seeds · 60-70 days · 5–6 tons/acre
Continuous harvesting up to 9 months.
Collard Mfalme F1Medium/Highland
Royal Seeds · 45-60 days · 7–8 tons/acre
High yielding hybrid; soft large leaves.

Economics

Market priceKES 20/kg
Expected yield in Tharaka Nithi11,700 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 234,000/acre
Adjusted for Tharaka Nithi's 78/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Kale (Sukuma Wiki) can reach 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 240,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.
Preferred textureClay Loam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag

Related

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