Growing Wambugu Apples in Lamu

Soil suitability analysis based on Lamu's nutrient profile

Lamu County is a challenging environment for Wambugu Apples (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 5–7 band Wambugu Apples 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. Wambugu Apples prefers loam soils, while Lamu is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Lamu receives approximately 600 mm/year — well below Wambugu Apples's minimum of 1000 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 75/kg) and a typical 2,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Wambugu Apples crop here can gross roughly KES 150,000 per acre.

0Suitability score

Soil match analysis

NutrientLamu soilWambugu Apples needsStatus
pH6.3157OK
Nitrogen0.74 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgLow
Phosphorus9.6 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgLow
Potassium117 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgLow

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Split biannually at rains
Instruction
Apply compost and CAN at pruning. Add soluble P at leaf flush.
Bags per Acre
0.5

Recommended seed varieties

WambuguMedium/Highland
KALRO · 730-1000 days · 30-50 tons/acre
Kenya-adapted apple; does not require chilling; good local market.

Economics

Market priceKES 75/kg
Expected yield2,000 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 150,000/acre

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

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

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag