Growing Lettuce in Tharaka Nithi

Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile

Tharaka Nithi County is a solid choice for Lettuce, with a soil-match score of 67/100. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Lettuce's preferred 6–7 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 Lettuce's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Lettuce, which favours loam. Lettuce's full potential is about 7,000 kg/acre (~KES 350,000/acre at KES 50/kg), but at Tharaka Nithi's 67/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 5,863 kg/acre (~KES 293,150/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.