Growing Okra in Tharaka Nithi

Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile

Tharaka Nithi County is a solid choice for Okra, with a soil-match score of 64/100. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Okra's preferred 6–7.5 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 Okra's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Okra, which favours loam. Okra's full potential is about 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 300,000/acre at KES 60/kg), but at Tharaka Nithi's 64/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,000 kg/acre (~KES 240,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.