Growing Pawpaw in Siaya
Soil suitability analysis based on Siaya's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Siaya is moderately suited to Pawpaw. Siaya's soil (pH 5.33, strongly acidic) gives Pawpaw a suitability score of 64/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Siaya County is a solid choice for Pawpaw, with a soil-match score of 64/100. At an average pH of 5.33 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 1.2 g/kg, P 12.1 mg/kg, K 134 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 Siaya is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Pawpaw is the #57 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Siaya County. Pawpaw's full potential is about 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 336,000/acre at KES 28/kg), but at Siaya's 64/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 9,600 kg/acre (~KES 268,800/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Siaya soil | Pawpaw needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.33 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.2 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 12.1 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 134 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 600–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 0–1,200 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Siaya's nitrogen (1.2 g/kg) already meets Pawpaw's 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Seed varieties for Siaya
2 pawpaw varieties are rated for Siaya's altitude (1,200 m) and rainfall (1,200 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag