Growing Lucerne in Busia

Soil suitability analysis based on Busia's nutrient profile

Busia County is a challenging environment for Lucerne (soil-match score 38/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.29 the soil is moderately acidic, below Lucerne's preferred 6.5–8 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 0.91 g/kg, P 16.6 mg/kg, K 175 mg/kg against this crop's low/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Lucerne, which favours clay loam. At current prices (about KES 28/kg) and a typical 6,500 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Lucerne crop here can gross roughly KES 182,000 per acre.