Growing Soybeans in Garissa

Soil suitability analysis based on Garissa's nutrient profile

Garissa County is a challenging environment for Soybeans (soil-match score 10/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 7.96 the soil sits above Soybeans's preferred 5–7 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 Soybeans's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Soybeans 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 Soybeans's minimum of 600 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. 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.

10Suitability score

Soil match analysis

NutrientGarissa soilSoybeans needsStatus
pH7.9657Adjust
Nitrogen0.61 g/kgmin 0.5 g/kgOK
Phosphorus37.7 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium407 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK

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