Growing Wambugu Apples in Bomet
Soil suitability analysis based on Bomet's nutrient profile
Bomet County is well suited to Wambugu Apples, scoring 94/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 6.02 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7 band Wambugu Apples prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.38 g/kg), phosphorus (23.6 mg/kg) and potassium (237 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. At current prices (about KES 75/kg) and a typical 2,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Wambugu Apples crop here can gross roughly KES 150,000 per acre.
Suitability score
Soil match analysis
| Nutrient | Bomet soil | Wambugu Apples needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.02 | 5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.38 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 23.6 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 237 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | OK |
Top dressing guide
Product
CAN
Timing
Split biannually at rains
Instruction
Apply compost and CAN at pruning. Add soluble P at leaf flush.
Bags per Acre
0.5
Recommended seed varieties
WambuguMedium/Highland
KALRO · 730-1000 days · 30-50 tons/acre
Kenya-adapted apple; does not require chilling; good local market.
Economics
Market priceKES 75/kg
Expected yield2,000 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 150,000/acre
Preferred textureLoam
Fertilizer prices
DAP
KES 2,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,500(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 2,500(5,600)
Urea
KES 2,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag