Growing Pawpaw in Bungoma

Soil suitability analysis based on Bungoma's nutrient profile

Pawpaw can be grown in Bungoma County, but the soil scores 45/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.56 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Pawpaw's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen and potassium — measured at N 1.12 g/kg, P 15.7 mg/kg, K 161 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Pawpaw prefers sandy loam soils, while Bungoma is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 1500 m, the county sits above Pawpaw's preferred altitude ceiling of 1200 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. Pawpaw's full potential is about 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 336,000/acre at KES 28/kg), but at Bungoma's 45/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 6,750 kg/acre (~KES 189,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.