Growing Watermelon in Tharaka Nithi

Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile

Watermelon can be grown in Tharaka Nithi County, but the soil scores 55/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Watermelon'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 Watermelon's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Watermelon, which favours sandy. At current prices (about KES 10/kg) and a typical 5,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Watermelon crop here can gross roughly KES 55,000 per acre.