Growing Sisal in Busia

Soil suitability analysis based on Busia's nutrient profile

Busia County is a challenging environment for Sisal (soil-match score 33/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.29 the soil is moderately acidic, below Sisal'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 Sisal's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Sisal prefers sandy soils, while Busia is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Sisal's full potential is about 1,000 kg/acre (~KES 90,000/acre at KES 90/kg), but at Busia's 33/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 413 kg/acre (~KES 37,170/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.