Growing Amaranth in Busia
Soil suitability analysis based on Busia's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Busia is moderately suited to Amaranth. Busia's soil (pH 5.29, strongly acidic) gives Amaranth a suitability score of 70/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Busia County is a solid choice for Amaranth, with a soil-match score of 70/100. At an average pH of 5.29 the soil is moderately acidic, below Amaranth's preferred 5.5–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.91 g/kg, P 16.6 mg/kg, K 175 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Amaranth, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Amaranth is the #32 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Busia County. Amaranth's full potential is about 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 200,000/acre at KES 40/kg), but at Busia's 70/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,375 kg/acre (~KES 175,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Busia soil | Amaranth needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.29 | 5.5–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.91 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 16.6 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 175 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 500–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 0–2,400 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Busia
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· September–November
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Busia's nitrogen (0.91 g/kg) is 76% of the 1.2 g/kg Amaranth needs, so the standard 1 bag/acre is raised to 1.25. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Seed varieties for Busia
7 amaranth varieties are rated for Busia's altitude (1,200 m) and rainfall (1,400 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag