Growing Sweet Orange in Bungoma
Soil suitability analysis based on Bungoma's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Bungoma is moderately suited to Sweet Orange. Bungoma's soil (pH 5.56, slightly acidic) gives Sweet Orange a suitability score of 62/100. Match fertilizer to Bungoma's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Bungoma County is a solid choice for Sweet Orange, with a soil-match score of 62/100. At an average pH of 5.56 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Sweet Orange's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 1.12 g/kg, P 15.7 mg/kg, K 161 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Sweet Orange, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sweet Orange is the #67 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Bungoma County. Sweet Orange's full potential is about 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre at KES 50/kg), but at Bungoma's 62/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 9,300 kg/acre (~KES 465,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Bungoma soil | Sweet Orange needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.56 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.12 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 15.7 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 161 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 600–1,200 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–2,100 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Bungoma
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Top dressing guide
Bungoma's nitrogen (1.12 g/kg) is 93% of the 1.2 g/kg Sweet Orange needs, so the standard 0.6 bags/acre is raised to 0.75. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag