Growing Wambugu Apples in Makueni

Soil suitability analysis based on Makueni's nutrient profile

Makueni County is a challenging environment for Wambugu Apples (soil-match score 10/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.5 the soil sits above Wambugu Apples's preferred 5–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.86 g/kg), phosphorus (29.6 mg/kg) and potassium (351 mg/kg) all meet Wambugu Apples's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Wambugu Apples, which favours loam. Makueni receives approximately 600 mm/year — well below Wambugu Apples's minimum of 1000 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Wambugu Apples's full potential is about 4,000 kg/acre (~KES 300,000/acre at KES 75/kg), but at Makueni's 10/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 500 kg/acre (~KES 37,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.