Growing Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) in Wajir

Soil suitability analysis based on Wajir's nutrient profile

Wajir County is a challenging environment for Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) (soil-match score 0/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.4 the soil sits above Tree Tomato (Tamarillo)'s preferred 5.8–7 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. Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) 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 Tree Tomato (Tamarillo)'s minimum of 800 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. Tree Tomato (Tamarillo)'s full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 640,000/acre at KES 80/kg), but at Wajir's 0/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 0 kg/acre (~KES 0/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

0Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorWajir soilTree Tomato (Tamarillo) needsStatus
pH8.45.87Adjust
Nitrogen0.52 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgLow
Phosphorus39.3 mg/kgmin 20 mg/kgOK
Potassium396 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgOK
Rainfall200 mm800–1,800 mmLow
Altitude250 m1,500–2,800 mLow

Planting calendar

Long Rains

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

Short Rains

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

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Every 3 months
Instruction
Perennial — ring-apply around the drip line each quarter. Add NPK at flowering.
Bags per Acre
0.5

Economics

Market priceKES 80/kg
Expected yield in Wajir0 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 0/acre
Adjusted for Wajir's 0/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Tree Tomato (Tamarillo) can reach 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 640,000/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