Growing Wambugu Apples in Kericho

Soil suitability analysis based on Kericho's nutrient profile

Kericho County is well suited to Wambugu Apples, scoring 93/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 5.94 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7 band Wambugu Apples prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.34 g/kg), phosphorus (23.7 mg/kg) and potassium (225 mg/kg) all meet Wambugu Apples's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Wambugu Apples prefers loam soils, while Kericho is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. 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.

93Suitability score

Soil match analysis

NutrientKericho soilWambugu Apples needsStatus
pH5.9457OK
Nitrogen1.34 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgOK
Phosphorus23.7 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium225 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgOK

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