Growing Wambugu Apples in Siaya
Soil suitability analysis based on Siaya's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Siaya is only marginally suited to Wambugu Apples. Siaya's soil (pH 5.33, strongly acidic) gives Wambugu Apples a suitability score of 52/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Wambugu Apples can be grown in Siaya County, but the soil scores 52/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 5.33 — moderately acidic and inside the 5–7 band Wambugu Apples prefers, so no lime is usually required. 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 medium/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Wambugu Apples, which favours loam. Wambugu Apples's full potential is about 4,000 kg/acre (~KES 300,000/acre at KES 75/kg), but at Siaya's 52/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,600 kg/acre (~KES 195,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Siaya soil | Wambugu Apples needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.33 | 5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.2 g/kg | min 0.8 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 | 1,000–1,800 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 1,500–2,500 m | Low |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag