Growing Wambugu Apples in Tharaka Nithi

Soil suitability analysis based on Tharaka Nithi's nutrient profile

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. At current prices (about KES 75/kg) and a typical 2,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Wambugu Apples crop here can gross roughly KES 150,000 per acre.