Growing Pixie Oranges in Lamu
Soil suitability analysis based on Lamu's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Lamu is poorly suited to Pixie Oranges. Lamu's soil (pH 6.31, slightly acidic) gives Pixie Oranges a suitability score of 0/100. Match fertilizer to Lamu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Lamu County is a challenging environment for Pixie Oranges (soil-match score 0/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.31 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–7.5 band Pixie Oranges prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 0.74 g/kg, P 9.6 mg/kg, K 117 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Pixie Oranges, which favours sandy loam. At 10 m, the county sits below Pixie Oranges's preferred altitude range (1000–2000 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. Pixie Oranges's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 224,000/acre at KES 28/kg), but at Lamu's 0/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 0 kg/acre (~KES 0/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Lamu soil | Pixie Oranges needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.31 | 5.5–7.5 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.74 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 9.6 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 117 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 600 mm | 600–1,200 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 10 m | 1,000–2,000 m | Low |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag