Growing French Beans in Busia
Soil suitability analysis based on Busia's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Busia is moderately suited to French Beans. Busia's soil (pH 5.29, strongly acidic) gives French Beans a suitability score of 73/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Busia County is a solid choice for French Beans, with a soil-match score of 73/100. At an average pH of 5.29 the soil is moderately acidic, below French Beans's preferred 5.8–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is phosphorus — measured at N 0.91 g/kg, P 16.6 mg/kg, K 175 mg/kg against this crop's low/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit French Beans, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, French Beans is the #24 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Busia County. At current prices (about KES 80/kg) and a typical 3,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed French Beans crop here can gross roughly KES 280,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Busia soil | French Beans needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.29 | 5.8–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.91 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 16.6 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 175 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 900–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 1,000–2,100 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Dry Season
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag