Growing Wambugu Apples in Kilifi
Soil suitability analysis based on Kilifi's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Kilifi is poorly suited to Wambugu Apples. Kilifi's soil (pH 6.24, slightly acidic) gives Wambugu Apples a suitability score of 0/100. Match fertilizer to Kilifi's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kilifi County is a challenging environment for Wambugu Apples (soil-match score 0/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.24 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7 band Wambugu Apples prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 0.8 g/kg, P 11 mg/kg, K 109 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Wambugu Apples, which favours loam. Kilifi receives approximately 700 mm/year — well below Wambugu Apples's minimum of 1000 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Wambugu Apples's full potential is about 4,000 kg/acre (~KES 300,000/acre at KES 75/kg), but at Kilifi's 0/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 0 kg/acre (~KES 0/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kilifi soil | Wambugu Apples needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.24 | 5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.8 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 11 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 109 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 700 mm | 1,000–1,800 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 150 m | 1,500–2,500 m | Low |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag