Growing Pawpaw in Vihiga

Soil suitability analysis based on Vihiga's nutrient profile

Vihiga County is a challenging environment for Pawpaw (soil-match score 32/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.62 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. The main gap is nitrogen and potassium — measured at N 1.02 g/kg, P 14.8 mg/kg, K 164 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Pawpaw prefers sandy loam soils, while Vihiga is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 1700 m, the county sits above Pawpaw's preferred altitude ceiling of 1200 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. Pawpaw's full potential is about 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 336,000/acre at KES 28/kg), but at Vihiga's 32/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,800 kg/acre (~KES 134,400/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.