Growing Maize in Busia
Soil suitability analysis based on Busia's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Busia is moderately suited to Maize. Busia's soil (pH 5.29, strongly acidic) gives Maize 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 Maize, with a soil-match score of 73/100. At an average pH of 5.29 the soil is moderately acidic, below Maize's preferred 5.5–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen and phosphorus — measured at N 0.91 g/kg, P 16.6 mg/kg, K 175 mg/kg against this crop's high/high/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Maize, which favours loam. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Maize is the #22 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Busia County. At current prices (about KES 45/kg) and a typical 1,800 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Maize crop here can gross roughly KES 81,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Busia soil | Maize needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.29 | 5.5–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.91 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 16.6 mg/kg | min 20 mg/kg | Low |
| Potassium | 175 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 500–1,600 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 0–2,500 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Busia
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· September–November
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Busia's nitrogen (0.91 g/kg) is 76% of the 1.2 g/kg Maize needs, so the standard 1 bag/acre is raised to 1.25. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
Seed varieties for Busia
Varieties suited to Busia's 1,200 m altitude and 1,400 mm annual rainfall — 12 of 24 maize varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag