Growing Pawpaw in Samburu

Soil suitability analysis based on Samburu's nutrient profile

Samburu County is a challenging environment for Pawpaw (soil-match score 18/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.28 the soil sits above Pawpaw's preferred 6–7.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.67 g/kg, P 42.1 mg/kg, K 387 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Pawpaw, which favours sandy loam. Samburu receives approximately 350 mm/year — well below Pawpaw's minimum of 600 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 28/kg) and a typical 10,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Pawpaw crop here can gross roughly KES 280,000 per acre.