Growing Sunflower in Tharaka Nithi
Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Tharaka Nithi is moderately suited to Sunflower. Tharaka Nithi's soil (pH 4.99, strongly acidic) gives Sunflower a suitability score of 60/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Tharaka Nithi County is a solid choice for Sunflower, with a soil-match score of 60/100. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Sunflower'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 Sunflower's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Sunflower, which favours sandy. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sunflower is the #68 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Tharaka Nithi County. Sunflower's full potential is about 750 kg/acre (~KES 36,000/acre at KES 48/kg), but at Tharaka Nithi's 60/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 563 kg/acre (~KES 27,024/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Tharaka Nithi soil | Sunflower needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.99 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.23 g/kg | min 0.8 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 | 400–800 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,100 m | 0–2,000 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Tharaka Nithi
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Tharaka Nithi's nitrogen (1.23 g/kg) already meets Sunflower's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Tharaka Nithi
Varieties suited to Tharaka Nithi's 1,100 m altitude and 900 mm annual rainfall — 1 of 2 sunflower varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag