Growing Pawpaw in Nyandarua

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyandarua's nutrient profile

Nyandarua County is a challenging environment for Pawpaw (soil-match score 18/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.38 the soil is moderately acidic, below Pawpaw's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 1.28 g/kg, P 14 mg/kg, K 166 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Pawpaw prefers sandy loam soils, while Nyandarua is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 2300 m, the county sits above Pawpaw's preferred altitude ceiling of 1200 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. Pawpaw's full potential is about 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 336,000/acre at KES 28/kg), but at Nyandarua's 18/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,700 kg/acre (~KES 75,600/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.