Growing Guava in Busia
Soil suitability analysis based on Busia's nutrient profile
Busia County is a solid choice for Guava, with a soil-match score of 73/100. At an average pH of 5.29 the soil is moderately acidic, below Guava's preferred 5.5–7.5 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 Guava's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Guava, which favours loam. At current prices (about KES 60/kg) and a typical 10,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Guava crop here can gross roughly KES 600,000 per acre.
Suitability score
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Busia soil | Guava needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.29 | 5.5–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.91 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 16.6 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 175 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 700–1,800 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 0–1,800 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Month 1
Transplanting & Basal
Month 2
Pruning & Top Dressing
Month 3
Fruit Development
Short Rains
Month 1
Transplanting & Basal
Month 2
Pruning & Top Dressing
Month 3
Fruit Development
Top dressing guide
Product
CAN
Timing
Twice per year at start of rains
Instruction
Ring-apply around the drip line. Add NPK at flowering.
Bags per Acre
0.5
Economics
Market priceKES 60/kg
Expected yield in Busia9,125 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 547,500/acre
Adjusted for Busia's 73/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Guava can reach 10,000 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