Growing Pawpaw in Tana River

Soil suitability analysis based on Tana River's nutrient profile

Tana River County is a challenging environment for Pawpaw (soil-match score 35/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. Local soils average pH 6.4 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 6–7.5 band Pawpaw prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — measured at N 1.04 g/kg, P 8.5 mg/kg, K 108 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Pawpaw, which favours sandy loam. Tana River receives approximately 400 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.