Growing Snow Peas in Tharaka Nithi
Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Tharaka Nithi is poorly suited to Snow Peas. Tharaka Nithi's soil (pH 4.99, strongly acidic) gives Snow Peas a suitability score of 37/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Tharaka Nithi County is a challenging environment for Snow Peas (soil-match score 37/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Snow Peas'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 Snow Peas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Snow Peas, which favours loam. Snow Peas's full potential is about 1,800 kg/acre (~KES 333,000/acre at KES 185/kg), but at Tharaka Nithi's 37/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 833 kg/acre (~KES 154,105/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Tharaka Nithi soil | Snow Peas needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.99 | 5.5–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.23 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 19.6 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 211 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 700–1,200 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,100 m | 1,500–3,000 m | Low |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag