Growing Pawpaw in Kisii

Soil suitability analysis based on Kisii's nutrient profile

Kisii County is a challenging environment for Pawpaw (soil-match score 31/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.21 the soil is moderately acidic, below Pawpaw's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen and potassium — measured at N 1.09 g/kg, P 13.1 mg/kg, K 151 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Pawpaw prefers sandy loam soils, while Kisii is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 1700 m, the county sits above Pawpaw's preferred altitude ceiling of 1200 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. Pawpaw's full potential is about 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 336,000/acre at KES 28/kg), but at Kisii's 31/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,650 kg/acre (~KES 130,200/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.