Growing Tangerine in Siaya
Soil suitability analysis based on Siaya's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Siaya is moderately suited to Tangerine. Siaya's soil (pH 5.33, strongly acidic) gives Tangerine a suitability score of 59/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Tangerine can be grown in Siaya County, but the soil scores 59/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.33 the soil is moderately acidic, below Tangerine's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 1.2 g/kg, P 12.1 mg/kg, K 134 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Tangerine, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Tangerine is the #69 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Siaya County. Tangerine's full potential is about 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre at KES 60/kg), but at Siaya's 59/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 7,375 kg/acre (~KES 442,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Siaya's soil: Macadamia, Pineapple, and Avocado — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Siaya soil | Tangerine 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 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 134 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 600–1,200 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 0–2,100 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Siaya
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· September–November
Top dressing guide
Siaya's nitrogen (1.2 g/kg) already meets Tangerine's 1.2 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag