Growing Wambugu Apples in Wajir

Soil suitability analysis based on Wajir's nutrient profile

Wajir County is a challenging environment for Wambugu Apples (soil-match score 0/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.4 the soil sits above Wambugu Apples's preferred 5–7 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 medium/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Wambugu Apples 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 Wambugu Apples's minimum of 1000 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 75/kg) and a typical 2,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Wambugu Apples crop here can gross roughly KES 150,000 per acre.

0Suitability score

Soil match analysis

NutrientWajir soilWambugu Apples needsStatus
pH8.457Adjust
Nitrogen0.52 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgLow
Phosphorus39.3 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium396 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgOK

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Split biannually at rains
Instruction
Apply compost and CAN at pruning. Add soluble P at leaf flush.
Bags per Acre
0.5

Recommended seed varieties

WambuguMedium/Highland
KALRO · 730-1000 days · 30-50 tons/acre
Kenya-adapted apple; does not require chilling; good local market.

Economics

Market priceKES 75/kg
Expected yield2,000 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 150,000/acre

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

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

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag