Growing Wambugu Apples in Narok

Soil suitability analysis based on Narok's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Yes, with the right inputs — Narok is moderately suited to Wambugu Apples. Narok's soil (pH 6.13, slightly acidic) gives Wambugu Apples a suitability score of 60/100. Match fertilizer to Narok's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.

Narok County is a solid choice for Wambugu Apples, with a soil-match score of 60/100. Local soils average pH 6.13 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5–7 band Wambugu Apples prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.63 g/kg), phosphorus (25.7 mg/kg) and potassium (234 mg/kg) all meet Wambugu Apples's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Wambugu Apples, which favours loam. Wambugu Apples's full potential is about 4,000 kg/acre (~KES 300,000/acre at KES 75/kg), but at Narok's 60/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,000 kg/acre (~KES 225,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

60Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorNarok soilWambugu Apples needsStatus
pH6.1357OK
Nitrogen1.63 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgOK
Phosphorus25.7 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium234 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgOK
Rainfall800 mm1,000–1,800 mmLow
Altitude1,700 m1,500–2,500 mOK

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Biannual
Instruction
Apply at start of long and short rains. Young trees need half the rate of mature trees.
Bags per Acre
0.5

Recommended seed varieties

WambuguMedium/Highland
KALRO · 730-1000 days · 2.7–4.5 tons/acre
Kenya-adapted apple; does not require chilling; good local market.

Economics

Market priceKES 75/kg
Expected yield in Narok3,000 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 225,000/acre
Adjusted for Narok's 60/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Wambugu Apples can reach 4,000 kg/acre (~KES 300,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureLoam

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