Growing Pixie Oranges in Kakamega

Soil suitability analysis based on Kakamega's nutrient profile

Pixie Oranges can be grown in Kakamega County, but the soil scores 56/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 5.63 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–7.5 band Pixie Oranges prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 1.01 g/kg, P 14 mg/kg, K 147 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Pixie Oranges, which favours sandy loam. At current prices (about KES 28/kg) and a typical 4,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Pixie Oranges crop here can gross roughly KES 112,000 per acre.

56Suitability score

Soil match analysis

NutrientKakamega soilPixie Oranges needsStatus
pH5.635.57.5OK
Nitrogen1.01 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgOK
Phosphorus14 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium147 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgLow

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Biannual start of rains
Instruction
Apply under tree canopy ring. Add zinc foliar to prevent fruit drop.
Bags per Acre
0.5

Recommended seed varieties

PixieMedium/Highland
KALRO/HCDA · 1000-1500 days · 80-120 tons/acre
Seedless; thin skin; excellent sweetness; high export demand.
Washington NavelMedium
KALRO · 1000-1500 days · 70-100 tons/acre
Large navel orange; seedless; good fresh market variety.

Economics

Market priceKES 28/kg
Expected yield4,000 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 112,000/acre

Preferred textureSandy Loam

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