Growing Lemongrass in Busia
Soil suitability analysis based on Busia's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Busia is moderately suited to Lemongrass. Busia's soil (pH 5.29, strongly acidic) gives Lemongrass 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 Lemongrass, with a soil-match score of 73/100. At an average pH of 5.29 the soil is moderately acidic, below Lemongrass'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 Lemongrass's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Lemongrass, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Lemongrass is the #25 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Busia County. At current prices (about KES 60/kg) and a typical 8,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Lemongrass crop here can gross roughly KES 480,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Busia soil | Lemongrass 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 | 0–2,000 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Busia
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· September–November
Top dressing guide
Busia's nitrogen (0.91 g/kg) already meets Lemongrass's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag