Growing Rosemary in Tharaka Nithi

Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile

Tharaka Nithi County is a solid choice for Rosemary, with a soil-match score of 61/100. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Rosemary's preferred 6–8 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 Rosemary's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Rosemary, which favours sandy loam. Rosemary's full potential is about 2,500 kg/acre (~KES 375,000/acre at KES 150/kg), but at Tharaka Nithi's 61/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,906 kg/acre (~KES 285,900/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.