Growing Soybeans in Busia
Soil suitability analysis based on Busia's nutrient profile
Busia County is well suited to Soybeans, scoring 85/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 5.29 — moderately acidic and inside the 5–7 band Soybeans prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (0.91 g/kg), phosphorus (16.6 mg/kg) and potassium (175 mg/kg) all meet Soybeans's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Soybeans, which favours loam. At current prices (about KES 75/kg) and a typical 550 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Soybeans crop here can gross roughly KES 41,250 per acre.
Suitability score
Soil match analysis
| Nutrient | Busia soil | Soybeans needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.29 | 5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.91 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 16.6 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 175 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
Recommended seed varieties
SB 19Medium/Highland
KALRO · 90-100 days · 8-12 bags/acre
High protein content; disease resistant; good for oil and flour.
GazelleMedium
Pannar Seeds · 95-110 days · 10-14 bags/acre
High yielding hybrid; excellent grain quality; broad adaptation.
Economics
Market priceKES 75/kg
Expected yield550 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 41,250/acre
Preferred textureLoam
Fertilizer prices
DAP
KES 2,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,500(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 2,500(5,600)
Urea
KES 2,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag