Growing Sweet Orange in Migori
Soil suitability analysis based on Migori's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Migori is moderately suited to Sweet Orange. Migori's soil (pH 5.43, strongly acidic) gives Sweet Orange a suitability score of 57/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Sweet Orange can be grown in Migori County, but the soil scores 57/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.43 the soil is moderately acidic, below Sweet Orange's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 1.2 g/kg, P 12.2 mg/kg, K 169 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Sweet Orange, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sweet Orange is the #70 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Migori County. Sweet Orange's full potential is about 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre at KES 50/kg), but at Migori's 57/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 8,550 kg/acre (~KES 427,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Migori's soil: Cassava, Macadamia, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Migori soil | Sweet Orange needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.43 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.2 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 12.2 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 169 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 600–1,200 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,300 m | 0–2,100 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Migori
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· September–November
Top dressing guide
Migori's nitrogen (1.2 g/kg) already meets Sweet Orange's 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag