Growing Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) in Baringo

Soil suitability analysis based on Baringo's nutrient profile

Baringo County is a challenging environment for Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) (soil-match score 25/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.22 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.8–7 band Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.32 g/kg), phosphorus (23.4 mg/kg) and potassium (212 mg/kg) all meet Tree Tomato (Tamarillo)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Tree Tomato (Tamarillo), which favours loam. At 900 m, the county sits below Tree Tomato (Tamarillo)'s preferred altitude range (1500–2800 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. Tree Tomato (Tamarillo)'s full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 640,000/acre at KES 80/kg), but at Baringo's 25/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,500 kg/acre (~KES 200,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.