Growing Cotton in Busia

Soil suitability analysis based on Busia's nutrient profile

Busia County is a solid choice for Cotton, with a soil-match score of 60/100. At an average pH of 5.29 the soil is moderately acidic, below Cotton's preferred 5.8–8 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (0.91 g/kg), phosphorus (16.6 mg/kg) and potassium (175 mg/kg) all meet Cotton's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Cotton, which favours clay. Cotton's full potential is about 900 kg/acre (~KES 61,200/acre at KES 68/kg), but at Busia's 60/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 675 kg/acre (~KES 45,900/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.