Growing Pawpaw in Tharaka Nithi

Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile

Tharaka Nithi County is a solid choice for Pawpaw, with a soil-match score of 63/100. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Pawpaw's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.23 g/kg), phosphorus (19.6 mg/kg) and potassium (211 mg/kg) all meet Pawpaw's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Pawpaw, which favours sandy loam. 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.