Growing Mango in Tharaka Nithi
Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile
Tharaka Nithi County is a solid choice for Mango, with a soil-match score of 61/100. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Mango's preferred 5.5–8.5 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 Mango's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Mango, which favours sandy. At current prices (about KES 10/kg) and a typical 2,800 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Mango crop here can gross roughly KES 28,000 per acre.
Suitability score
Soil match analysis
| Nutrient | Tharaka Nithi soil | Mango needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.99 | 5.5–8.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.23 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 19.6 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 211 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
Recommended seed varieties
Apple MangoCoastal/Dryland
KALRO/HCDA · 1000-1200 days · 40-60 tons/acre
Most popular domestic variety; sweet and juicy.
Tommy AtkinsCoastal/Dryland
KALRO/HCDA · 1000-1200 days · 50-80 tons/acre
Export quality; good shelf life; disease tolerant.
Economics
Market priceKES 10/kg
Expected yield2,800 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 28,000/acre
Preferred textureSandy
Fertilizer prices
DAP
KES 2,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,500(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 2,500(5,600)
Urea
KES 2,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag