Growing Spinach in Tharaka Nithi
Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile
Tharaka Nithi County is a solid choice for Spinach, with a soil-match score of 63/100. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Spinach'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 Spinach's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Spinach, which favours loam. At current prices (about KES 25/kg) and a typical 3,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Spinach crop here can gross roughly KES 87,500 per acre.
Soil match analysis
| Nutrient | Tharaka Nithi soil | Spinach needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.99 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.23 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 19.6 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 211 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag