Growing Courgette (Zucchini) in Busia

Soil suitability analysis based on Busia's nutrient profile

Busia County is a solid choice for Courgette (Zucchini), with a soil-match score of 65/100. At an average pH of 5.29 the soil is moderately acidic, below Courgette (Zucchini)'s preferred 5.8–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen and potassium — measured at N 0.91 g/kg, P 16.6 mg/kg, K 175 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Courgette (Zucchini), which favours loam. Courgette (Zucchini)'s full potential is about 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre at KES 50/kg), but at Busia's 65/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 9,750 kg/acre (~KES 487,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

65Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorBusia soilCourgette (Zucchini) needsStatus
pH5.295.87Adjust
Nitrogen0.91 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgLow
Phosphorus16.6 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium175 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgLow
Rainfall1,400 mm500–1,200 mmHigh
Altitude1,200 m0–2,100 mOK

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Direct Sowing & Basal
Month 2
Top Dressing & Pest Control
Month 3
Fruiting & Harvest

Short Rains

Month 1
Direct Sowing & Basal
Month 2
Top Dressing
Month 3
Fruiting & Harvest

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 3 and at flowering
Instruction
Add potassium at fruiting for continuous fruit set and quality.
Bags per Acre
0.4

Economics

Market priceKES 50/kg
Expected yield in Busia9,750 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 487,500/acre
Adjusted for Busia's 65/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Courgette (Zucchini) can reach 12,000 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