Growing Lentils in Tharaka Nithi
Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Tharaka Nithi is only marginally suited to Lentils. Tharaka Nithi's soil (pH 4.99, strongly acidic) gives Lentils a suitability score of 54/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Lentils can be grown in Tharaka Nithi County, but the soil scores 54/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Lentils's preferred 5.5–7.5 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 Lentils's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Lentils, which favours sandy loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Lentils is the #78 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Tharaka Nithi County. Lentils's full potential is about 600 kg/acre (~KES 108,000/acre at KES 180/kg), but at Tharaka Nithi's 54/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 405 kg/acre (~KES 72,900/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Tharaka Nithi's soil: Avocado, Macadamia, and Cassava — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Tharaka Nithi soil | Lentils needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.99 | 5.5–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.23 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 19.6 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 211 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 350–800 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,100 m | 1,200–2,400 m | Low |
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag