Growing Pawpaw in Vihiga

Soil suitability analysis based on Vihiga's nutrient profile

Vihiga County is a challenging environment for Pawpaw (soil-match score 37/100) 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. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Pawpaw, which favours sandy loam. 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. 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.