Growing Lentils in Tharaka Nithi

Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile

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. At current prices (about KES 180/kg) and a typical 600 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Lentils crop here can gross roughly KES 108,000 per acre.