Growing Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) in Makueni

Soil suitability analysis based on Makueni's nutrient profile

Makueni County is a challenging environment for Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) (soil-match score 17/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.5 the soil sits above Tree Tomato (Tamarillo)'s preferred 5.8–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.86 g/kg, P 29.6 mg/kg, K 351 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Tree Tomato (Tamarillo), which favours loam. At 1000 m, the county sits below Tree Tomato (Tamarillo)'s preferred altitude range (1500–2800 m), which limits yield potential due to heat stress. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) is the #96 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Makueni County. Tree Tomato (Tamarillo)'s full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 640,000/acre at KES 80/kg), but at Makueni's 17/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,700 kg/acre (~KES 136,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Makueni's soil: Lucerne, Mango, and Sisal — each scores higher on the same soil.