Growing Tangerine in Wajir

Soil suitability analysis based on Wajir's nutrient profile

Wajir County is a challenging environment for Tangerine (soil-match score 5/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.4 the soil sits above Tangerine'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/high/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Tangerine prefers loam soils, while Wajir is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Wajir receives approximately 200 mm/year — well below Tangerine's minimum of 600 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Tangerine's full potential is about 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre at KES 60/kg), but at Wajir's 5/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 625 kg/acre (~KES 37,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

5Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorWajir soilTangerine needsStatus
pH8.467.5Adjust
Nitrogen0.52 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgLow
Phosphorus39.3 mg/kgmin 20 mg/kgOK
Potassium396 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgOK
Rainfall200 mm600–1,200 mmLow
Altitude250 m0–2,100 mOK

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Transplanting & Basal
Month 2
Pruning & Top Dressing
Month 3
Flowering & Fruit Set

Short Rains

Month 1
Transplanting & Basal
Month 2
Pruning & Top Dressing
Month 3
Fruit Development

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Three times per year
Instruction
Split feeding around the drip line; foliar zinc for leaf and fruit quality.
Bags per Acre
0.6

Economics

Market priceKES 60/kg
Expected yield in Wajir625 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 37,500/acre
Adjusted for Wajir's 5/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Tangerine can reach 10,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag