Growing Wambugu Apples in Tharaka Nithi
Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Tharaka Nithi is poorly suited to Wambugu Apples. Tharaka Nithi's soil (pH 4.99, strongly acidic) gives Wambugu Apples a suitability score of 34/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Tharaka Nithi County is a challenging environment for Wambugu Apples (soil-match score 34/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Wambugu Apples's preferred 5–7 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 Wambugu Apples's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Wambugu Apples, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Wambugu Apples is the #93 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Tharaka Nithi County. Wambugu Apples's full potential is about 4,000 kg/acre (~KES 300,000/acre at KES 75/kg), but at Tharaka Nithi's 34/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,700 kg/acre (~KES 127,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Tharaka Nithi's soil: Avocado, Macadamia, and Cassava — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Tharaka Nithi soil | Wambugu Apples needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.99 | 5–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.23 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 19.6 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 211 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 1,000–1,800 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 1,100 m | 1,500–2,500 m | Low |
Top dressing guide
Tharaka Nithi's nitrogen (1.23 g/kg) already meets Wambugu Apples's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Tharaka Nithi's 1,100 m altitude and 900 mm rainfall, so all 1 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag