Growing Sorghum in Tharaka Nithi

Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile

Sorghum can be grown in Tharaka Nithi County, but the soil scores 59/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Sorghum's preferred 5–8 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 Sorghum's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Sorghum prefers clay soils, while Tharaka Nithi is largely sandy loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Sorghum's full potential is about 1,200 kg/acre (~KES 81,600/acre at KES 68/kg), but at Tharaka Nithi's 59/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 885 kg/acre (~KES 60,180/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.