Growing Tea in Tharaka Nithi

Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile

Tharaka Nithi County is a challenging environment for Tea (soil-match score 33/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 4.99 — strongly acidic and inside the 4.5–6 band Tea prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.23 g/kg), phosphorus (19.6 mg/kg) and potassium (211 mg/kg) all meet Tea's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Tea prefers clay soils, while Tharaka Nithi is largely sandy loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Tea's full potential is about 2,200 kg/acre (~KES 55,000/acre at KES 25/kg), but at Tharaka Nithi's 33/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 908 kg/acre (~KES 22,700/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.