Growing Wambugu Apples in Baringo
Soil suitability analysis based on Baringo's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Baringo is poorly suited to Wambugu Apples. Baringo's soil (pH 6.22, slightly acidic) gives Wambugu Apples a suitability score of 16/100. Match fertilizer to Baringo's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Baringo County is a challenging environment for Wambugu Apples (soil-match score 16/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.22 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7 band Wambugu Apples prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.32 g/kg), phosphorus (23.4 mg/kg) and potassium (212 mg/kg) all meet Wambugu Apples's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Wambugu Apples, which favours loam. Baringo receives approximately 700 mm/year — well below Wambugu Apples's minimum of 1000 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Wambugu Apples's full potential is about 4,000 kg/acre (~KES 300,000/acre at KES 75/kg), but at Baringo's 16/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 800 kg/acre (~KES 60,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Baringo soil | Wambugu Apples needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.22 | 5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.32 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 23.4 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 212 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 700 mm | 1,000–1,800 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 900 m | 1,500–2,500 m | Low |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag