Growing Pixie Oranges in Migori

Soil suitability analysis based on Migori's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Yes, with the right inputs — Migori is moderately suited to Pixie Oranges. Migori's soil (pH 5.43, strongly acidic) gives Pixie Oranges a suitability score of 68/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.

Migori County is a solid choice for Pixie Oranges, with a soil-match score of 68/100. At an average pH of 5.43 the soil is moderately acidic, below Pixie Oranges's preferred 5.5–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 1.2 g/kg, P 12.2 mg/kg, K 169 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Pixie Oranges prefers sandy loam soils, while Migori is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Pixie Oranges's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 224,000/acre at KES 28/kg), but at Migori's 68/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 6,800 kg/acre (~KES 190,400/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

68Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorMigori soilPixie Oranges needsStatus
pH5.435.57.5Adjust
Nitrogen1.2 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgOK
Phosphorus12.2 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium169 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgLow
Rainfall1,400 mm600–1,200 mmHigh
Altitude1,300 m1,000–2,000 mOK

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Biannual start of rains
Instruction
Apply in a ring around the drip line. Foliar zinc and manganese every season for fruit quality.
Bags per Acre
0.5

Recommended seed varieties

PixieMedium/Highland
KALRO/HCDA · 1000-1500 days · 7.2–10.8 tons/acre
Seedless; thin skin; excellent sweetness; high export demand.
Washington NavelMedium
KALRO · 1000-1500 days · 6.3–9 tons/acre
Large navel orange; seedless; good fresh market variety.

Economics

Market priceKES 28/kg
Expected yield in Migori6,800 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 190,400/acre
Adjusted for Migori's 68/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Pixie Oranges can reach 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 224,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureSandy Loam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag