Growing Pawpaw in Wajir
Soil suitability analysis based on Wajir's nutrient profile
Generally not ideal — Wajir is poorly suited to Pawpaw. Wajir's soil (pH 8.4, alkaline) gives Pawpaw a suitability score of 5/100. Match fertilizer to Wajir's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Wajir County is a challenging environment for Pawpaw (soil-match score 5/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.4 the soil sits above Pawpaw's preferred 6–7.5 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.52 g/kg, P 39.3 mg/kg, K 396 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Pawpaw, which favours sandy loam. Wajir receives approximately 200 mm/year — well below Pawpaw's minimum of 600 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Pawpaw is the #43 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Wajir County. Pawpaw's full potential is about 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 336,000/acre at KES 28/kg), but at Wajir's 5/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 750 kg/acre (~KES 21,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Wajir's soil: Sisal, Aloe Vera, and Green Grams — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Wajir soil | Pawpaw needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 8.4 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.52 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 39.3 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 396 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 200 mm | 600–1,500 mm | Low |
| Altitude | 250 m | 0–1,200 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Wajir's nitrogen (0.52 g/kg) is 43% of the 1.2 g/kg Pawpaw needs, so the standard 0.5 bags/acre is raised to 0.75. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Wajir's 250 m altitude and 200 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag