Growing Mango in Busia
Soil suitability analysis based on Busia's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Busia is moderately suited to Mango. Busia's soil (pH 5.29, strongly acidic) gives Mango a suitability score of 59/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Mango can be grown in Busia County, but the soil scores 59/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.29 the soil is moderately acidic, below Mango's preferred 5.5–8.5 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 Mango's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Mango prefers sandy soils, while Busia is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Mango is the #60 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Busia County. Mango's full potential is about 8,000 kg/acre (~KES 80,000/acre at KES 10/kg), but at Busia's 59/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 5,900 kg/acre (~KES 59,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Busia's soil: Macadamia, Avocado, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Busia soil | Mango needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.29 | 5.5–8.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 0.91 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 16.6 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 175 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 500–1,200 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 0–1,200 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Busia's nitrogen (0.91 g/kg) already meets Mango's 0.5 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Recommended seed varieties
No variety in our list is specifically rated for Busia's 1,200 m altitude and 1,400 mm rainfall, so all 2 are shown. Confirm with your agrovet before buying.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag