Growing Rice (Lowland/Paddy) in Busia
Soil suitability analysis based on Busia's nutrient profile
Yes — Busia is well suited to Rice (Lowland/Paddy). Busia's soil (pH 5.29, strongly acidic) gives Rice (Lowland/Paddy) a suitability score of 86/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Busia County is well suited to Rice (Lowland/Paddy), scoring 86/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 5.29 — moderately acidic and inside the 4.5–7 band Rice (Lowland/Paddy) prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.91 g/kg, P 16.6 mg/kg, K 175 mg/kg against this crop's high/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Rice (Lowland/Paddy), which favours clay. At current prices (about KES 100/kg) and a typical 2,600 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Rice (Lowland/Paddy) crop here can gross roughly KES 260,000 per acre.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Busia soil | Rice (Lowland/Paddy) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.29 | 4.5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.91 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | Low |
| Phosphorus | 16.6 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 175 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 1,100–2,000 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 0–1,500 m | OK |
Top dressing guide
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag