Growing Tea in Busia
Soil suitability analysis based on Busia's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Busia is moderately suited to Tea. Busia's soil (pH 5.29, strongly acidic) gives Tea a suitability score of 57/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Tea can be grown in Busia County, but the soil scores 57/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 5.29 — moderately acidic and inside the 4.5–6 band Tea 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 Tea, which favours clay. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Tea is the #65 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Busia County. Tea's full potential is about 2,200 kg/acre (~KES 55,000/acre at KES 25/kg), but at Busia's 57/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,568 kg/acre (~KES 39,200/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 | Tea needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.29 | 4.5–6 | 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 | 1,100–2,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,200 m | 1,500–3,000 m | Low |
Planting calendar for Busia
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· September–November
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Busia's nitrogen (0.91 g/kg) is 76% of the 1.2 g/kg Tea needs, so the standard 1 bag/acre is raised to 1.25. Split it across two applications to limit leaching.
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