Growing Wambugu Apples in Makueni
Soil suitability analysis based on Makueni's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Makueni is poorly suited to Wambugu Apples. Makueni's soil (pH 7.5, alkaline) gives Wambugu Apples a suitability score of 10/100. Match fertilizer to Makueni's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Wambugu Apples is the #103 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Makueni County. 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.
Better matched to Makueni's soil: Lucerne, Mango, and Sisal — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Makueni soil | Wambugu Apples needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.5 | 5–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.86 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 29.6 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 351 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 600 mm | 1,000–1,800 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 1,000 m | 1,500–2,500 m | Low |
Top dressing guide
Makueni's nitrogen (0.86 g/kg) already meets Wambugu Apples's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Makueni's 1,000 m altitude and 600 mm rainfall, so all 1 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag