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
12 maize varieties are rated for Busia's altitude (1,200 m) and rainfall (1,400 mm):
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag