Growing Guava in Nyandarua

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile

Guava can be grown in Nyandarua County, but the soil scores 46/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.38 the soil is moderately acidic, below Guava's preferred 5.5–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.28 g/kg), phosphorus (14 mg/kg) and potassium (166 mg/kg) all meet Guava's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Guava prefers loam soils, while Nyandarua is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 2300 m, the county sits above Guava's preferred altitude ceiling of 1800 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. Guava's full potential is about 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre at KES 60/kg), but at Nyandarua's 46/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 5,750 kg/acre (~KES 345,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.