Growing French Beans in Garissa

Soil suitability analysis based on Garissa's nutrient profile

Garissa County is a challenging environment for French Beans (soil-match score 0/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.96 the soil sits above French Beans's preferred 5.8–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.61 g/kg), phosphorus (37.7 mg/kg) and potassium (407 mg/kg) all meet French Beans's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. French Beans prefers loam soils, while Garissa is largely sandy, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. Garissa receives approximately 250 mm/year — well below French Beans's minimum of 900 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 80/kg) and a typical 3,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed French Beans crop here can gross roughly KES 240,000 per acre.