Growing Tangerine in Kisii

Soil suitability analysis based on Kisii's nutrient profile

Tangerine can be grown in Kisii County, but the soil scores 50/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.21 the soil is moderately acidic, below Tangerine's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 1.09 g/kg, P 13.1 mg/kg, K 151 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Tangerine, which favours loam. Tangerine's full potential is about 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre at KES 60/kg), but at Kisii's 50/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 6,250 kg/acre (~KES 375,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

50Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorKisii soilTangerine needsStatus
pH5.2167.5Adjust
Nitrogen1.09 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgLow
Phosphorus13.1 mg/kgmin 20 mg/kgLow
Potassium151 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgLow
Rainfall1,500 mm600–1,200 mmHigh
Altitude1,700 m0–2,100 mOK

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Transplanting & Basal
Month 2
Pruning & Top Dressing
Month 3
Flowering & Fruit Set

Short Rains

Month 1
Transplanting & Basal
Month 2
Pruning & Top Dressing
Month 3
Fruit Development

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Three times per year
Instruction
Split feeding around the drip line; foliar zinc for leaf and fruit quality.
Bags per Acre
0.6

Economics

Market priceKES 60/kg
Expected yield in Kisii6,250 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 375,000/acre
Adjusted for Kisii's 50/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Tangerine can reach 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag