Growing Pawpaw in Busia

Soil suitability analysis based on Busia's nutrient profile

Busia County is a solid choice for Pawpaw, with a soil-match score of 64/100. At an average pH of 5.29 the soil is moderately acidic, below Pawpaw's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is nitrogen and potassium — measured at N 0.91 g/kg, P 16.6 mg/kg, K 175 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. Pawpaw prefers sandy loam soils, while Busia is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Pawpaw's full potential is about 12,000 kg/acre (~KES 336,000/acre at KES 28/kg), but at Busia's 64/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 9,600 kg/acre (~KES 268,800/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.