Growing Sugarcane in Tharaka Nithi

Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile

Sugarcane can be grown in Tharaka Nithi County, but the soil scores 48/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Sugarcane's preferred 5.5–7 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 Sugarcane's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Sugarcane, which favours loam. At current prices (about KES 5/kg) and a typical 27,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Sugarcane crop here can gross roughly KES 135,000 per acre.