Growing Basil in Siaya

Soil suitability analysis based on Siaya's nutrient profile

Siaya County is a solid choice for Basil, with a soil-match score of 66/100. At an average pH of 5.33 the soil is moderately acidic, below Basil's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 1.2 g/kg, P 12.1 mg/kg, K 134 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 Basil, which favours loam. Basil's full potential is about 4,000 kg/acre (~KES 480,000/acre at KES 120/kg), but at Siaya's 66/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,300 kg/acre (~KES 396,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

66Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorSiaya soilBasil needsStatus
pH5.3367.5Adjust
Nitrogen1.2 g/kgmin 1.2 g/kgOK
Phosphorus12.1 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium134 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgLow
Rainfall1,200 mm600–1,200 mmOK
Altitude1,200 m0–2,100 mOK

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Nursery & Transplanting
Month 2
Top Dressing & Pinching
Month 3
Continuous Harvest

Short Rains

Month 1
Direct Sowing & Basal
Month 2
Pinching & Top Dressing
Month 3
Continuous Harvest

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 3 and after each cutting
Instruction
Top-dress after each harvest to sustain leafy regrowth. Excess nitrogen dilutes the aroma.
Bags per Acre
0.3

Economics

Market priceKES 120/kg
Expected yield in Siaya3,300 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 396,000/acre
Adjusted for Siaya's 66/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Basil can reach 4,000 kg/acre (~KES 480,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag