Growing Guava in Laikipia

Soil suitability analysis based on Laikipia's nutrient profile

Guava can be grown in Laikipia County, but the soil scores 50/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Guava's preferred 5.5–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.42 g/kg), phosphorus (16.6 mg/kg) and potassium (215 mg/kg) all meet Guava's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Guava, which favours loam. Guava's full potential is about 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre at KES 60/kg), but at Laikipia'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

FactorLaikipia soilGuava needsStatus
pH4.995.57.5Adjust
Nitrogen1.42 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgOK
Phosphorus16.6 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium215 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK
Rainfall600 mm700–1,800 mmLow
Altitude1,700 m0–1,800 mOK

Planting calendar

Long Rains

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

Short Rains

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

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Twice per year at start of rains
Instruction
Ring-apply around the drip line. Add NPK at flowering.
Bags per Acre
0.5

Economics

Market priceKES 60/kg
Expected yield in Laikipia6,250 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 375,000/acre
Adjusted for Laikipia's 50/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Guava 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