Growing Wambugu Apples in Isiolo
Soil suitability analysis based on Isiolo's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Isiolo is poorly suited to Wambugu Apples. Isiolo's soil (pH 7.83, alkaline) gives Wambugu Apples a suitability score of 2/100. Match fertilizer to Isiolo's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Isiolo County is a challenging environment for Wambugu Apples (soil-match score 2/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.83 the soil sits above Wambugu Apples's preferred 5–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.46 g/kg, P 37.4 mg/kg, K 395 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Wambugu Apples prefers loam soils, while Isiolo is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Isiolo receives approximately 350 mm/year — well below Wambugu Apples's minimum of 1000 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Wambugu Apples is the #106 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Isiolo County. Wambugu Apples's full potential is about 4,000 kg/acre (~KES 300,000/acre at KES 75/kg), but at Isiolo's 2/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 100 kg/acre (~KES 7,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Isiolo's soil: Sisal, Aloe Vera, and Green Grams — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Isiolo soil | Wambugu Apples needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.83 | 5–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.46 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 37.4 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 395 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 350 mm | 1,000–1,800 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 900 m | 1,500–2,500 m | Low |
Top dressing guide
Isiolo's nitrogen (0.46 g/kg) is 57% of the 0.8 g/kg Wambugu Apples needs, so the standard 0.5 bags/acre is raised to 0.75. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Isiolo's 900 m altitude and 350 mm rainfall, so all 1 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag