Growing Wambugu Apples in Kwale
Soil suitability analysis based on Kwale's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Kwale is poorly suited to Wambugu Apples. Kwale's soil (pH 6.76, near-neutral) gives Wambugu Apples a suitability score of 1/100. Match fertilizer to Kwale's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kwale County is a challenging environment for Wambugu Apples (soil-match score 1/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.76 — 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 0.93 g/kg, P 9.8 mg/kg, K 131 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. At 200 m, the county sits below Wambugu Apples's preferred altitude range (1500–2500 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. Wambugu Apples's full potential is about 4,000 kg/acre (~KES 300,000/acre at KES 75/kg), but at Kwale's 1/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 50 kg/acre (~KES 3,750/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kwale soil | Wambugu Apples needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.76 | 5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.93 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 9.8 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 131 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 1,000–1,800 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 200 m | 1,500–2,500 m | Low |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag