Growing Pawpaw in Trans Nzoia

Soil suitability analysis based on Trans Nzoia's nutrient profile

Trans Nzoia County is a challenging environment for Pawpaw (soil-match score 34/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.93 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Pawpaw's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.68 g/kg), phosphorus (27.3 mg/kg) and potassium (213 mg/kg) all meet Pawpaw's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Pawpaw, which favours sandy loam. At 1900 m, the county sits above Pawpaw's preferred altitude ceiling of 1200 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. 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.