Growing Wambugu Apples in Kitui

Soil suitability analysis based on Kitui's nutrient profile

Kitui County is a challenging environment for Wambugu Apples (soil-match score 7/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.03 the soil sits above Wambugu Apples's preferred 5–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.74 g/kg, P 30.5 mg/kg, K 339 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Wambugu Apples, which favours loam. Kitui receives approximately 500 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 Kitui's 7/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 350 kg/acre (~KES 26,250/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.