Growing Tomato in Tharaka Nithi
Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile
Tharaka Nithi County is a solid choice for Tomato, with a soil-match score of 65/100. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Tomato's preferred 6–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is phosphorus — measured at N 1.23 g/kg, P 19.6 mg/kg, K 211 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Tomato, which favours loam. At current prices (about KES 40/kg) and a typical 5,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Tomato crop here can gross roughly KES 200,000 per acre.
Soil match analysis
| Nutrient | Tharaka Nithi soil | Tomato needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.99 | 6–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.23 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 19.6 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 211 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag